Joan M. Cotonzare, 91, of Palmer Township, was called home by the Lord on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Born March 17, 1935 in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Florence (Weir) Steblin. Her husband, Frank Cotonzare, Jr. died in 2002. Joan’s life was dedicated to her family, caregiving at various jobs throughout the Lehigh Valley and she was a devoted member of Bethel Memorial Baptist Church, Palmer Township.
Surviving are her children, JoAnn Birdsong, Frank Cotonzare, III and his partner, Traci Litwin, and Suzan Fimiano and her husband, Chester; four grandchildren, Isaiah and his wife, Tanisha, Eden and her husband, Mark, Rena, and Chloe and her fiancé, Andrew; and three great grandchildren. She was predeceased by two brothers, Charles Roberts and Thomas Roberts.
Services will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 in Bethel Memorial Baptist Church, 715 Chestnut Lane, Palmer Township. A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 10:30 am on Wednesday in the church. Interment will be in Northampton Memorial Shrine. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse/Operation Christmas Child, www.samaritanspurse.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com
Marian Moninghoff
October 23, 2026 at 3:41 pm
Dear Sue, Sorry for your loss, you were a wonderful daughter to her. May she rest in peace.
Diana Paccagnini Fimiano
October 23, 2026 at 5:48 pm
Sue I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom At Fimiano family gatherings with Chris we enjoyed her company. bright spirit and she was always dress impeccably. RIP may the angels be there for all of your family⚘️❣️
Ronna Rhoads
October 23, 2026 at 8:51 pm
Sue- I truly am so sorry for your loss. I lost my Mom when i was 15 but i remember how close your Mom and my Mom were. I am 100% certain that they are catching up and laughing together again. Your Mom was a very special lady- as are you. God Bless you and help you through this tough adjustment. I always find peace in knowing exactly where they are and how wonderful their eternity is. ❤️
Toni Buono
October 24, 2026 at 9:15 am
May the beautiful life your Mother lived and brought to everyone she came in contact with, bring you and yours comfort and peace in the days ahead…
With deepest sympathy and love ❤️
Toni Buono
Paul and Melanie Reaser
October 25, 2026 at 10:05 am
Frank – our sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom – may she rest in eternal peace 🙏
Chris and Forrest Myers
October 26, 2026 at 9:09 am
Frank,
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Chris and Forrest
Michelle Parent
October 26, 2026 at 11:03 am
Sue, JoAnn, & Frank,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. My mom and your mom were close friends and Joan was a wonderful and kind person. May God give you all peace during this time. She is now with our Lord and Savior and resting in his arms.
God bless your family,
Michelle and Family
David J Doncses
October 26, 2026 at 2:28 pm
Sorry for your loss Frank
Michele Roy
October 26, 2026 at 2:50 pm
God has gained an angel. My condolences to the family. I hope you have peace knowing that she is with her heavenly father.
Linda and Ken Kane
October 26, 2026 at 5:37 pm
To Joans Family,
We are very sorry for your loss. God bless Your mom.
Jene and Barry Young
October 27, 2026 at 5:37 pm
Our sincerest condolences to Frank, Suzan and JoAnn and families at Joan’s passing. Joan was a sweet lady and very friendly with everyone. She will be greatly missed by all. May God give you comfort, strength and peace in the days that lie ahead.
Heather Pursel Horn
October 28, 2026 at 6:24 am
I am sad to hear that your Mom has passed away. Although it has been too many years that have passed I will always have the treasured memories of going to your home as a young girl and how sweet and welcoming your Mom was to have a bunch of silly girls hang out. Always a smile. Sue, I know you and I have had our wonderful conversations about our faith and what our family means to us. May you find strength and comfort in all the blessings we have in knowing your Mom is in Heaven and will always be there for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless 🙏
Penny
November 7, 2026 at 3:57 pm
I just found out today about Miss Joan. I loved her and she will truly be missed. Fly high sweet lady. I will always remember you.