Obituary of Joan A. Crea

Joan A. Crea passed away June 9, 2022 at Elderwood in Lockport.  Joan was born April 21, 1932 daughter of Howard and Dorothy (Curchin) Arter.  Joan and her beloved husband were married 64 years.  Lt. Kent J. Crea USAF and Joan met at a church picnic and he proposed marriage five days later!  They enjoyed their military life at the Niagara Falls Air Base during their early years together.  Joan was a Lockport High School graduate and completed two years of medical secretarial training at St. Joseph’s Secretarial Institute in Lockport.  She retired after nearly thirty years employed in doctor’s offices.  Upon retirement she volunteered at the American Red Cross, Meals On Wheels and was a former member of the Lockport  YWCA Board.  Joan was also a member of Friends of the Library Save-A-Pet, the Dale Association, and a 50 year plus member of the Niagara County Historical Society.  She was a Cradle Roll member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church and remained a life-long member.  Joan studied both piano and pipe organ, enjoyed decorating her home and quilting.  Her quilts and famous homemade oatmeal cookies were shared by many.  Kent and Joan traveled throughout the United States and to several European Countries. 

Joan felt she had a blessed life with Kent and their wonderful children Christopher (Irene) Crea, Barry (Aurora) Crea, and Katherine (Barry) Kibbe.  She also dearly loved her grandchildren Ann Kibbe, Charles (Bonnie) Kibbe, Elizabeth Crea, Samuel Crea, Angela Crea, Megan (Nick) Boudreau, Caroline Crea, and Daniel (Jamie) Crea; and her beautiful great grandchildren Selah and Talihah Kibbe. 

Joan was predeceased by her dear sister Barbara Bernard Brimmer.  She is also survived by her much loved nieces, Molly Kettler and Mary Beth Greene; great nieces Alicia Mitrowitz and Theresa Kettler and predeceased by great nephew Garrett Greene.  She was an “Adopted Aunt Joan” to Tammy & Mike McEachon and their family.

There will be no prior visitation.  Inurnment will be in Huskey Cemetery at the convenience of the family.  Donations to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, NY 14094 or at www.niagarahospice.org would be appreciated.  Visit pruddenandkandt.com.