Joan Faye Prather Costanzo

November 18, 1941 – June 7, 2025

“She had a way of seeing the best in everyone — and bringing out the best in them, too.”

Joan Faye Prather Costanzo, 83, of Berlin, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home on June 7, 2025. Born in Buffalo, New York, Joan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, known for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering love of family.

A graduate of Lafayette High School in Buffalo, Joan worked as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone during her school years, and also later on while living in Berlin. She met her husband, Charlie, through a mutual friend, and after a long-distance courtship filled with letters and phone calls, they married on December 3, 1960. This year would have marked their 65th wedding anniversary.

Joan cherished togetherness and lived by the belief that “the more, the merrier.” Her home was a place of welcome and joy, always filled with the smell of something delicious baking, the warmth of laughter, and a table set for anyone who walked through the door. She had a special gift for hospitality and was a master of Italian cookies, pies, and card games alike. Her legendary luck and love of games, from bridge to pitch and “Pay the Man”, made every gathering more fun.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Gail and Hazel Prather; her twin sister, Joyce; her brother, Ricky; and her beloved son, Lou.

She is survived by her loving husband, Charlie; her son, Joe, and daughter-in-law, Laura; her daughter, Ona, and son-in-law, Marc; and her grandchildren, Charlie, Cristina, Sam, Paulina and Zachary.

Joan’s ability to make people feel seen, welcomed, and loved was one of her greatest gifts. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A memorial service to celebrate Joan’s life will be held on Saturday, June 21st at 11:30am at Knight Funeral Home. Family and friends may call 10:30am. Inurnment will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Samaritan Hospice, PO Box 71425, Philadelphia, PA 19176, if desired], in Joan’s memory.