Joan Esther Updike-Martin

Joan Updike-Martin, 83, of Surprise, Arizona passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family, February 9, 2017. She was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts on May 14, 1933, to the late Jack and Alice Avedian. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband and companion of 25 years, Richard Martin as well as a sister, Jeanette Talbot. Joan graduated from Wilfred Beauty Academy and was employed at Sears in Connecticut. After moving to Phoenix, Arizona in 1978 she worked for Smitty’s Department Store and the City of Phoenix before retirement.

Joan was known to be a quick-witted, passionate and dedicated woman. Joan possessed many talents and enjoyed several hobbies throughout her life. She was a bowling instructor in Alaska, an avid golfer, and casino & bingo extraordinaire. She was a very giving person, and just one of the ways she showed her generosity was through her culinary skills. She always enjoyed sharing her many baked goods with everyone around the holidays. As an animal lover, her many wonderful pets were very special to her and brought her much delight. Among them were Cindi, Shu-Shu, and of course, the ever savvy Cindi-Sue who was her constant companion.

Joan’s greatest joy was derived from her family. In her love for travel, she always made sure to visit family wherever she went. Many of her favorite times were spending time with all her grandchildren on the beach in Rocky Point and Cape Cod.

She is survived by her two sons: Jack Updike and his wife Nikki, of Cave Creek, Arizona; and Ken Updike, and his wife Mary, of Southport, North Carolina. She also had two step children: Vicki Martin, of Fox Lake, Illinois; and Richard Martin and his wife Audrey, of Rockford, Illinois. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Stephen Updike, Kathy Updike, and Jodi Holmason and her husband Brian, and Keith Updike and his wife Paige. Along with her step grandchildren: Andrea, Chad, Kyle, Matt, Laura, RJ, Brendan and Bryan. She was also blessed with five great grandchildren Kaelynn, Karley, Kenzie, Kamden and Liam along with two step great-grandchildren Elliana, and Brady. She also leaves her younger sister, Deb Flynn of Pittsfield, Massachusetts and four nieces: Kate, Keely, Rachel, and Emily, who were always very active in her life and thoughts. Also surviving are nephew Michael Talbot, son of the late Jeanette Talbot.

As she longed for a time she could be with her dearest Rich again, she will be laid to rest next to him at a private ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. A memorial service will be held Friday, March 24, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. at Sunland Mortuary, 15826 Del Webb Blvd., Sun City, AZ 85351. A reception will follow.