JoAnn M. Cronce

JoAnn Martin Cronce, beloved wife of 62 years to Fred Cronce, cherished mother of Fred and Erin Cronce and the late Bernice Cronce, devoted grandmother to Thomas Jennings, Mackenzie, Paige, Ally, and Freddy Cronce, and proud great-grandmother to Brian Jennings, passed away on January 13, 2026, leaving our hearts broken yet so full. We will forever be grateful for the gift of her unwavering love, steadfast support, and tireless devotion to family.

JoAnn was born in Trenton, New Jersey, to Anna and Joseph Martin, and graduated from Ewing High School. Her story with Fred began in 1963 at the Ewing Drive-In, where she was selling tickets. Though their first attempts at dating were humorously delayed, fate had other plans as they soon began a lifelong partnership filled with love, laughter, and dedication. Together, they made their home in Ringoes, surrounded by close friends and family.

In her younger years, JoAnn worked as a waitress at the Blue Ox before beginning a long and successful career in banking. Her colleagues often became dear friends, drawn by her dependability and generous spirit. JoAnn’s work ethic was unmatched - she continued working full time until she was 79, not out of necessity, but out of pride and purpose. Hard work and caring for others were threads that ran through everything she did.

At the heart of JoAnn’s life was her devotion to the people she loved. She was the anchor of her family - strong, protective, and endlessly thoughtful. Though her exterior could seem tough, behind it was a heart overflowing with love. Every gift she gave, every favor she did, every phone call checking that someone had arrived home safely showed how deeply she cared. Her attention to detail made each person feel special - she remembered your stories, your likes, and your dreams, and she celebrated them all.

JoAnn found great joy in the simple act of giving. Known fondly as “Mrs. Claus” at Christmas, she poured her love into every gift, always finding something perfectly suited to each person. Her life was one of service, and she found happiness in taking care of others - whether it was driving her mother-in-law to the mall every weekend, supporting her family through life’s milestones, or making sure everyone around her felt seen and loved. She also had a special fondness for her pets, showering them with treats, toys, and affection, ensuring they lived a pampered life.

JoAnn and Fred shared countless adventures together - from trips to Las Vegas, where she was often spotted tapping a keno machine for good luck, to wonderful times at their beloved Brigantine beach home, surrounded by family, friends, and laughter.

In her later years, she found peace in the quiet moments. Even in her final days, JoAnn’s thoughts were of others. Her biggest worry was that her family would be cared for, especially her beloved Fred. Her love was unending and selfless.

JoAnn lived her entire life in service to those she loved, and her legacy of care and compassion will forever guide us. We will miss her deeply but take comfort in knowing that she rests peacefully, surrounded by the love she gave so freely.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM in the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. Burial will follow in Amwell Ridge Cemetery, Larison's Corner, NJ 08551. Calling hours will be on Sunday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service in the funeral home.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.