Joan E. Newman

Joan E. (Murphy) Newman, 94, of Mertztown, PA, and formerly of Pottsville, PA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 27, 2025 in her residence. She was the widow of Leslie J. Newman, whom she was married to for 44 years prior to his passing in 2000.

Born in the village of Cumbola, Blythe Township, Schuylkill County, Joan was a daughter of the late Daniel J. Murphy and Anne C. (Borzatti) Murphy and was a 1949 graduate of Blythe Township High School. Her family also attended Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Pottsville.

Joan was a homemaker who took great pride in keeping her home and raising her children. She cared for Rachel with undying dedication, love and commitment for the last 62 years. Sadly, she will be deeply missed. She was a dedicated volunteer and would enjoy assisting at St. Joseph Center for Special Learning in Pottsville, where Rachel attended for 21 years. In her younger years, Joan was a model at Pollack Furs in Pottsville for several years.

Joan is survived by her three children, Anne C. (Newman) Berrios, wife of Severo Berrios, Rachel Newman, all of Mertztown, PA, and Leslie "Les" Newman, Jr., husband of Diane Newman, Blythe Township, PA. Along with her husband and parents, Joan was predeceased by her siblings, Gerald Murphy in 2020, Donald Murphy in 1999, and Nancy Murphy in infancy.

Services for Joan will be held privately.

Memorial contributions may be made in Joan's memory to Berks/ Schuylkill Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank, 117 Morgan Drive, Reading, PA 19608.

Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Topton, PA is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting Joan's obituary tribute page at www.Ludwickfh.com.