JoAnn Licetti, age 94, of Martinsville, New Jersey, passed away suddenly on November 22, 2025. Born on May 28, 1931 in Beech Grove, Indiana, one of 7 children, JoAnn lived a long and meaningful life rooted in compassion and devotion to her family and community.

From an early age she demonstrated a deep commitment to caring for others, a calling that defined her life’s work and legacy. She attended St. Elizabeths School of Nursing in Lafayette, Indiana and became a Registered Nurse.

She devoted 40+ years of her life to the field of nursing, where she was known for her compassionate care and dedication to her patients. She worked at St. Frances Hospital in Beech Grove, Indiana; Elmhurst General City Hospital, NYC as an emergency room nurse and was a Nurse Manager at Somerset Medical Center 2 West. Her gentle strength and enduring patience left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to know her.

After meeting the love of her life while in nursing school, JoAnn married her beloved husband Philip C. Licetti and they moved back to New York City where Philip was from. They relocated to New Jersey in 1964, where she raised her family with her husband Philip C. Licetti, who survives her. They shared a devoted marriage of 73 years. Together they built a family grounded in love and resilience.

JoAnn is lovingly remembered by her children: Theresa (Delaware), Mary, Philip, Patricia, Margaret and Stephen (New Jersey), her grandchildren, Alysia, Anastasia, Karina, and great granddaughter, Kylie. Her memory is also cherished by the many others whose lives she touched.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her daughter Catherine and grandson Michael. Their memories remained close to her heart throughout her life.

JoAnn was a devoted member of Blessed Sacrament Church. Her spiritual life provided comfort and served as a foundation for the values she instilled in those around her.

May JoAnn’s memory bring peace and comfort to all who knew and loved her.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, November 30, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Higgins Funeral Home, 752 Mountain Boulevard, Watchung, NJ 07069. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1890 Washington Valley Road, Martinsville, NJ 08836. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Basking Ridge, NJ.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Catholic Charites, Diocese of Metuchen [LINK].