Obituary of Joan Navarra

Joan (Corbett) Navarra, a beloved wife, mother, "Nonny" and friend to just about everybody she met, passed away on February 16th, 2024 at her home in Honesdale, PA, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on October 16th, 1932 in Bloomingdale, NJ to Richard Corbett and Emma (Drew) Corbett. They instilled in her the values of kindness and compassion that she carried with her throughout her life. As a youth, she loved spending time with her siblings and cousins, and it wasn't unusual for just a little bit of mischief to follow in her footsteps. Joan's journey through life was marked by love and devotion. She met the love of her life, Joseph Navarra, and they shared a beautiful marriage in 1956 that spanned decades. Together they built a home filled with warmth and two daughters. Joan held several jobs through the years, including a telephone operator for Bell and as a school crossing guard, where she was beloved by both the children and community. Never one to turn her back on friendship or adventures, "Nonny" lived a life that was filled to the brim with both. Her and Joe took countless trips across the country with car clubs for decades, and would always make the time to chat with any friends that might call or drop by. After moving west and settling in the wilderness of Carley Brook, she recruited all 8 of her grandchildren to join her expeditions to flea markets, fairs, festivals, water parks and just about everywhere. Wherever Nonny went, an army of miniature minions would surely follow. She was the life of every party she attended, and always the first to the dance floor. Joan was the epitome of independence. She was an early riser that kept busy maintaining an immaculate home, tending to her flowers, shopping with her daughters, cooking meals for herself and any company that might stop by and of course, reading her tabloid magazines. Even if a task seemed impossible, she would give it her all until someone would heroically step in and help. As busy as her days might get, she always had enough energy for nightly phone calls with family and of course, Saturday night Pennsylvania polka on tv. Joan made every minute of every day count, and she will be missed dearly. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Navarra; a brother, Richard Corbett Jr.; and two sisters, Edna (Corbett) Thomson and Ethel (Corbett) Messina. Joan is survived by two daughters and their spouses; Debra and Frankie Alvarez of White Mills and Donna and Joey Ranner of Carley Brook. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren and their partners; Sara and Brian Hoey, Joseph & Lea Ann Ranner, Michael & Emily Johnson, Eric & Julia Ranner, Steven & Kelly Johnson, Emmalee & Tyler Young, Zachary Ranner, and Katie Ranner & fiance Alec Dragos. She is also survived by 7 great grandchildren. A private service was held Tuesday, February 20th at Bryant's Funeral Home in Honesdale. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 30 E.D. Preate Drive, Suite 108, Moosic, PA 18507