Joan M. Blanche, 80, of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away Friday, Jan. 18, 2013.

She was born Jan. 4, 1933, in Philadelphia, Pa.

Joan moved to this area in 1992 from Gibbsboro, N.J. She was in sales with Woolworth Department Store for many years. Joan was a member of the Elks and Moose, both in Port Charlotte, Fla.; and the American Legion in Port Charlotte and Gibbsboro. She was member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Port Charlotte.

Joan is greatly missed by her loving family, including her daughters, Joan (Chris) Yezzi of Punta Gorda, and Christine (Jack) Friend of Ocala, Fla.; sons, Martin (Belinda) Blanche of Punta Gorda, and Richard (Denise) Blanche of Ocala; sister, Susan (Joseph) Mason of New Jersey; grandchildren, Michael Niedoba, Jena Gaidosh, Crystal Blanche, Bridget Bullock, Edward Niedoba, Amber Blanche, Melanie Blanche and Jacqueline Blanche; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Martin Blanche.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 2500 Easy St., Port Charlotte.

Arrangements were made in Port Charlotte.