Joan Marie Grapsy

Joan Marie Grapsy, 93, of Pottsville, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Providence Place Retirement Community.

Born in Pottsville on May 27, 1933, Joan was the daughter of the late Alex C. and Marion (Wineland) Kriston. She attended St. John the Baptist Parish School and graduated from Pottsville Catholic High School in 1951.

Joan’s life centered above all on her family. She and her beloved husband, Ramon Peter Grapsy, shared 55 years of marriage before his passing in 2013. Together, they traveled, raised four children, and built a life marked by deep love and devotion. Joan took immense pride in being Ramon’s wife, and their affection for one another was evident to everyone who knew them. She passed away on what would have been Ramon’s birthday, a date that holds special meaning for those who loved them both.

Before her marriage, Joan worked in the office at Bell Telephone. After marrying Ramon, she devoted herself to raising their children and caring for their home, which she considered her life’s greatest work and proudest accomplishment. She hosted countless holidays and family gatherings and was happiest when surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Warm, affectionate, protective, and proud, Joan showed her love through her cooking, her steadfast support, and the tenderness she extended to those closest to her. To her grandchildren, who knew her lovingly as Mommom, there was never any question that family came first.

Joan was a devout Catholic who took much comfort in her faith. She was lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Church in Pottsville. She was active in the parish’s Catholic Women’s Union and School and Convent Guild. She also gave generously of her time as a Cub Scout den mother and through her involvement with the Boy Scouts.

Joan is survived by her four children: Ramon Grapsy and his wife, Helena, of Sebastian, Florida; Debra Ann Guers and her husband, Edward, of Pottsville; Michael Grapsy and his wife, Edith, of Macungie; and Mark Grapsy and his fiancée, Elisabeth Wilson, of Grasonville, Maryland. She is also survived by her twelve grandchildren, Samantha, Rebecca, Edward, Casey, Taylor, Jillian, Raymond, Paige, Kaylee, Shane, Michael, and Ava; eight great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Eleanor Kriston; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Joan was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald C. Kriston, and her daughter-in-law, Elaine, the late wife of her son Mark.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 29, at St. John the Baptist Church in Pottsville, with Father Bobbin officiating. A viewing for family and friends will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Interment will follow at St. John the Baptist Church Cemetery, Pottsville.

Joan’s family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff of Providence Place for the compassionate care they provided during her final days.

At the family’s request, memorial donations may be made to the St. John the Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 913 Mahantongo Street, Pottsville, PA 17901.

Lord Ebling Haus Funeral Home & Crematory, Pottsville, has been entrusted with the arrangements.