Joan Alma Latwaitis

September 11, 1931 - May 10, 2020

Joan was a graduate of Franklin K. Lane High School. She raised her family of five children with her husband Ernie in Howard Beach, NY, where she was an active member of St. Barnabas Lutheran Church, acting in plays and singing in the choir, in addition to serving on the church council and leading Sunday School. She was also a Girl Scout leader and positively influenced many young women. After moving south 30 years ago, she became a member of Shepherd of the Sea Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. Volunteering was her passion. Upon moving to Myrtle Beach, Joan continued this devotion and became a volunteer at the Grand Strand Hospital Gift Shop where she played a pivotal role for the Auxiliary, raising funds to support the Health Profession Scholarship Program. Her dedication and commitment to selflessly serve others earned her many accolades, most notably the “Frist Humanitarian Award” in 1996, and “Volunteer of the Year 2018-2019”. Joan was an avid reader and loved bingo. She enjoyed traveling with her family and was a fan of trivia, classic movies, and musicals. Joan was very proud of being the Matriarch to five generations, and will always be celebrated for her boundless generosity, unwavering kindness, and joyful gift of gab! Joan was preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years, Ernest Allen; a son, James Arthur (Maureen dec.); a daughter, Mary King (Charles); and a son, Richard Andrew (Laura). She is survived by a daughter, Kathleen Lovero (William dec.) and a son, Ernest Latwaitis (Kathy). She has 15 grandchildren: Elizabeth Love, Kathy-Jo Guillory, Julie Watson, Jamie Latwaitis, Ernie Latwaitis, Charlie Latwaitis, Michael Latwaitis, Briana Motyka, Frank King, Richie Latwaitis, Danielle Latwaitis (dec.), Rebecca Latwaitis (dec.), Billy King, Josephine Musto, and Suzanna Latwaitis. She is Great Grandmother to 19 and Great-Great Grandmother to 4. She also leaves behind a cousin, Barbara Hope of Billings, Montana; God daughter Linda Olson of The Villages, FL, and will be truly missed by her best friend of 70 years, Marie Mullins of Howard Beach, NY. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Grand Strand Hospital Scholarship Fund, 809 82nd Parkway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572. A Graveside Funeral Service will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery for the family, with Pastor Brad Bellah officiating.