Joan Mellon Cordora, age 89, passed away at Elm Terrace Gardens, in Lansdale on December 12, 2020.
Born in Philadelphia in 1931, her parents were Bernard Joseph Mellon and Margaret Howlett Mellon. Joan graduated from Little Flower High School in Philadelphia.
Her first job was at the Johnsville Naval Air Base, Warminster where she met her future husband Joseph Charles Cordora, of West Wyoming, PA. They were married in 1951 at Nativity BVM Roman Catholic Church in Philadelphia.
After raising her family, she worked and retired from American Olean Tile, Lansdale.
Joan loved her long time home in North Wales. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, cooking, shopping, a good cup of hot tea, and most of all she loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
A Depression era baby, Joan made birthdays and holidays special and loved displaying her collection of seasonal decorations, many from local artisans and craft shows. Family and friends were terribly lucky and blessed to have her in their lives. She will be forever in our hearts.
As a child and later as an adult, her favorite place to vacation was the Jersey Shore. Besides Ocean City, she especially loved staying at her granddaughter’s beach house in Brigantine.
Of Irish ancestry, she had the good fortune to visit Ireland twice once she retired. Other memorable trips with family included Disney World, Charleston, and a cruise to Alaska.
Joan is predeceased by her husband Joe of 36 years and her Aunt Mary Howlett. An outstanding and loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, she is survived by four children: Christine Flyzik (Joseph), Marianne Cordora (Mary Larkin), Janet Weinstock (Brandon), and Mark Cordora (Heidi); six grandchildren: Caryn Flyzik Brereton, Lori Flyzik Stephens, Laura Weinstock, Ethan Weinstock, Julie Cordora Becker, and Zach Cordora; six great grandchildren: Colin Brereton, Alexander Brereton, Kaelyn Becker, Cole Becker, Ryan Becker, and Zahra Cordora.
Joan is also survived by her cousins Sally Howlett Willson and Sue Howlett Austin and by her best friend from first grade Dolores Troy Jackson, and Dolores’ family Kathy, John, and Kelli McDonough.
A long time parishioner of St Stanislaus, Joan will be laid to rest alongside her husband at St John Neuman Cemetary. Services will be private. Online condolences welcomed at SimcoxMcilvaine.com
If desired, donations may be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the charity of your choice.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Elm Terrace Gardens and Ascend Hospice, Lansdale.
Chris, so sorry about the recent passing of your beloved Mom. You are so lucky to have her in your life so long. Hopefully when this COVID pandemic is over we can meet up and catch up with one another. Have a blessed Christmas 🎄 Ed and Cindi
Joan was a
joy. Im so glad I knew her.
My Aunt Joan and her family would be the first to agree that it’s rare for me to be at a loss for words. In this case I reflect, speak, and write with a broken heart though extremely blessed with 63 years of priceless memories! My Aunt Joan and my Mom have been as close as Sisters and Best Friends for 83 of their 89 years. As a result of this bond I was bestowed a priceless gift like no other…an EXTRAORDINARY AUNT!! Joan Cordora had the sweetest personality, eyes that twinkled like stars, a smile that lit up a room, and a heart that beat and overflowed with love, kindness, generosity, and compassion. I value and treasure every memory and these barely touch the surface…overnight sleepovers with my cousins in the summer, excursions to their swim club, shopping at various Malls and Rice’s Market, and shared meals and conversation whether it be at Wm Penn Inn, Chick-Fil-A, Cheesecake Factory, or perhaps my favorite…at her kitchen table sharing a cup of piping hot tea and her delectable cookies. I could go on and on but I just want to say THANK YOU to my Mom and Aunt Joan for their keen insight in forming a lifelong friendship. It resulted in me being gifted what few can ever claim…a one-in-a-million AUNT!! St. John Chrysostom said, “They whom we love and lose are no longer where they were before. They are now…wherever we are”. Thanks for the memories Aunt Joan…I’ll see you in my dreams!!
Love, Kathy
Dear Chris and family,
We are so sorry for your loss of your wonderful mother. Your Mom and your memories with her will always be in your mind and heart.
Our prayers go out to you and yours.
God Bless all.
Anne and Edd
What a wonderful person she was. We are fortunate that she shared her life and kindness with us.
May we pay forward the love she had. She will always be remembered.
With love and warm thoughts for all of you.
As a long time next door neighbor of Joan we know what a kind and nice person she was. We give our condolences to Joan’s family.
Jim & Eva Stuart
Janet and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. She was a very lovely lady and I was glad to know her. Peace be with you.
Dear Chris , Maryann , Janet, and Mark Bob and I send our condolences to everyone. Your mom was a lovely person inside and out. Loved seeing everyone when you would come and visit your grandmother. Our love to everyone. Bob and Joann