Joan M. Holland

 Joan M. Holland, OFS 83, of Bethlehem Twp., passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026. Born in East Orange, NJ on June 4, 1942 she was the daughter of the late Tim and Agnes (Woodman) Holland. Joan graduated from Marylawn Academy, and joined the Maryknoll Sisters as a Postulant with a remarkable group of women in 1961. Joan did leave Maryknoll, though she kept the values, the call to service, and the dear friendships acquired there with her always. Joan went on to earn her nursing degree at Benedictine School of Nursing in NY. Joan started her nursing career at Catskill Hospital Emergency Department. She worked as a nurse throughout her entire life including, Albany Avenue Nursing Home in Kingston, NY, Ulster County NY Public Health, and Warren County NJ Public Health. Never one to sit idle, after “retiring” Joan worked as a school nurse at Warren Glen Academy in NJ until her passing. Her work was a vocation—an extension of her calling to care for the sick, the vulnerable, and those in need.

Her life was rooted in a deep and abiding faith in God. Joan was a member of St. Jane Frances de Chantal Roman Catholic Church. She served God faithfully in her daily life and was a professed member of the Secular Franciscan Order and was deeply involved with the St. Francis Retreat House in Easton, PA. Joan volunteered her free time to many organizations including, women’s prison ministry, her local food pantry, and she volunteered with hospice groups. She loved to travel and enjoyed visiting many new places. She liked to spend time in nature and was an avid knitter, making things for others as a quiet way of showing care.

She is survived by her sons, Austin Armstrong and his wife, Patricia; Jerry Armstrong and his wife, Lara; daughter, Mary Beth Armstrong and her husband, Peter Sigmond; and her amazing grandchildren, Toni Armstrong, Nate Armstrong and his fiancé, Briana Barats, Reid Sigmond, Caleb Sigmond, Wyatt Armstrong, and Eston Armstrong.

Calling hours will be held on January 29th from 5PM to 7:30PM at Morello Funeral Home, Inc., 3720 Nicholas Street, Easton, PA with a Franciscan wake service starting around 5:15 PM. A Mass will be celebrated at 11AM on January 30th at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Roman Catholic Church, 4049 Hartley Avenue, Easton. Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions in Joan’s name may be made to Franciscan Friars Charity. Online condolences may be offered at www.morellofuneralhome.com.