Joan Martel

Joan V. Martel, 89, of Ocala, passed away peacefully with her family by her side in her home on April 5, 2023. She was the beloved wife of the late Charles S. Martel Jr. Joan was Born in Woburn Mass, and was one of nine children of the late Leo and Lillian (Smith) McHugh. Joan was always there for her family. She was a true Matriarch. Our Mom was one of those people capable of doing so many things at one time. She had 5 kids born within seven years and managed to sew our clothes, make our costumes and attend our activities. In our youth she helped our dad build sailboats, dune buggy's and she tells us she made our fathers first wet suit. When the time was right she decided to join the work force, worked at Baxter Travenol (CA) from where she retired and enjoyed a successful career in Research and Development. She traveled the world with our Dad and they actually were "Full Timers" in an RV for a while before settling in Florida. As a retiree she enjoyed spending time with neighbors and friends, playing cards, she beat us all in Samba as she taught us to play. She loved cruising in her car, browsing thru her favorite antique shops, face timing all her family and watching a good movie. She is preceded in death by her husband Charles S. Martel Jr.; daughter Debra Holmberg; brothers Terry and Leo McHugh; sisters Barbara Bradley, Queenie Brennan, Josephine DiVincenzo and Maryellen Geary. She is survived by her son Charles Martel III of Ocala; daughters Louise (Buddy) Martel of TN, Michelle Martel of NY and Gretchen (John) Conley of IN; Grand Daughters Andrea (Dru) Babcock of CA, Jessica Conley of CO, Jennifer Conley of the UK and Katie (Tim) McLaughlin of NY; Great Grandchildren Sloan, Xander and Everett Babcock of CA; Sisters Ruth Barros of SC and Helen (Deems) Hatch of MA. A Memorial Mass will take place on April 24, 2023 at 8:30 am at Queen of Peace Catholic Church 6455 SW State Rd 200 Ocala FL. 34476. We will Celebrate her Life following the mass at 11:00 am with a reception at her home. Donations can be made to Hospice of Marion County Messages of sympathy may be left on Roberts Obituary on the funeral home's website, https://www.robertsfuneralhomes.com/