SWANTON - Joan “Jody” Crown Martin, 89, a former resident of Williston and Swanton, Vermont, passed away Thursday, September 12, 2024, at Our Lady of the Meadows, Richford, Vermont, with loving family by her side. She was born in East Barnet, Vermont, August 12, 1935, the daughter of the late John E. Crown and Dorothy (Metcalfe) Crown.
Joan was raised in North Monroe, NH on the family farm. Here is where she developed her musical talents and seamstress abilities. She spent her teenage years traveling with the McClure’s Student Band, under the late George McClure’s direction.
It was during this time Jody met her future husband, George Martin. Jody was a shy trumpeter, and George was a smooth talking, dark hair, brown eyed, flirty drummer. After graduating from McIndoes Academy, Vermont in 1953, Jody continued her education at Vermont Junior College in Montpelier, VT, studying to be a medical secretary, where she graduated in May 1955 with an associates degree.
On June 11, 1955 she and George married at the North Monroe Church in New Hampshire. They began their lives in Nashville, TN and eventually made their way back to VT, where they raised their family in Williston and Swanton, VT. Jody was employed in the medical field for over 30 years.
Besides being a career woman and raising a family, she engaged in various organizations, such as the Williston, St. Albans, Enosburgh, and Westford town bands. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Swanton Chapter #11 OES, and served the Grand Chapter of VT as past Worthy Grand Organist.
Jody was a parishioner and pump organist of the West Swanton United Methodist Church. In the early 1970s Jody and George lived in Williston and were members of the Williston Federated Church. When Joan wasn’t working or raising her family, she could be found tending to her beautiful flower beds or creating elaborate birthday and celebratory cakes.
She was an amazing seamstress and created both her daughters’ and granddaughter’s wedding dresses, as well as countless other attire. Jody leaves a son, Curtis Martin of Berkshire, VT, two daughters, Cyndi Listenik (Hank) of Jericho, VT and Carrie LaRocque (Dan) of Cambridge, VT. Six grandchildren, Jenna Martin, (David Peron), Trevor Martin, Heather (Listenik) Viani, (Kevin), Tyler Listenik, (Amy Schoon), Miranda LaRocque, (Joe Dorman), and Zachary LaRocque.
Four great granddaughters, Olivia Viani, Willow and Evie Listenik and Harmony Martin. She is also survived by a foster sister Ann Malik, Hudson, NH (Rob). As well as a niece, Jennifer (Crown) Mikulski and husband Mike, and a nephew John Crown and wife Jennifer all from Connecticut, as well as their children Makayla Mikulski and Nathan Crown.
Friends will be received at Goss Funeral Services, 89 Grand Avenue, Swanton, VT on Friday, October 4th from 5-7:00PM with a funeral service following at 7:00PM. Jody will be laid to rest in the Martin family plot in the North Monroe, NH cemetery on Saturday, October 5th at 11:00am, 1854 Littleton Road, Monroe, NH 03771. In lieu of a specific donation, we ask in our mother’s honor and her love for life, for you to support your favorite organization and open your heart and arms to the ones you cherish.
Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com.
