Joan Marie Kelly Brehm

Joan Marie Fisher Kelly Brehm, aged 96, passed away peacefully at her home in Englewood, Florida, on November 22, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on March 18, 1928, in Larksville, Pennsylvania, Joan led a life marked by dedication to education, family, and faith. Joan attended St. Vincent's High School in Plymouth, Pennsylvania. After the passing of her first husband, James T. Kelly, she pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Misericordia University in 1966. That same year, her daughter, Joan Marie, graduated from high school. Joan dedicated 20 years to teaching at East Side Elementary School in Cold Spring Harbor, New York, retiring in 1986. Her impact as an educator is fondly remembered by many former students. A devoted member of her church communities, Joan sang with the Diocesan Choir of Rockville Centre, New York, and was an active member and past President of the Altar and Rosary Society at St. Patrick's Church in Southold, New York. In her later years, she was a cherished member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Grove City, Florida. Joan's greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She shared many adventures with her second husband, Donald Brehm, sailing the North Fork of Long Island, Maine, and the Bahamas, and traveling to Germany, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Preceded in death by her parents, William and Theresa Reilly Fisher, five sisters, six brothers, her husbands James and Donald, and two sons, James and Timothy James Kelly. Joan is survived by her daughter, Joan Marie Kelly Steele Titman, son-in-law Harold Titman, son Thomas Kelly (Tina), six grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Friday, December 13th. Interment will follow at a later date at St. Vincent's Cemetery, Larksville, Pennsylvania. Joan's life was a testament to hard work, family values, and strong faith. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.