Joan Marie Devoto Metzger

Joan was a member of the Crescent Hill and original Highlands neighborhoods. She started school at Sacred Heart Model School and then Sacred Heart Academy in 1947. She was one of the youngest Red Cross Life Guards and was a life guard for Wagner’s Beach. Swimming and water continued to be an important part of the life through out her life. She was the happiest when she was in or around water .

Her parents Joe and Dolly Devoto instilled in their daughter the love of animals, nature and of God. Although she lost her mother at the age of 16, her father was devoted and taught her the value of hard work. She started her first full time job after graduation at Blaemers Food service in1947. She worked for Franklin Pioneer a small mortgage company from 1947, the company was taken over in time by PNC bank where she was in charge of the disability mortgage department.

She Married John Robert Elder in 1947 at Holy Spirit Church. Jeniece Elder was born December 20th 1950 weighing only 2 lbs 12 oz. She was a devoted Mom and returned to work full time in 1957. She never missed a therapy session or doctor’s appointment for her daughter. Water, The Ohio River and boats became the summer activity for the family. She would always make it a point to take the neighborhood kids out for a weekend boat ride. She was married 21 years.

Joan’s second marriage was to William A Metzger Sr. She was a devoted wife, grandmother and friend to all who knew and loved her. She was married to Bill for 24 years watching many of the grandchildren grow into adults.

In her later years she moved in with her daughter. They had many laughs and created wonderful memories. She said that she ended up not far from where she began her journey. She was born at Saint Anthony Hospital, and her last home was on Saint Anthony Place. She so enjoyed her visits to her cousins where a good time was had by all.

She wrote these words herself : “Say a few sweet words and pray for me a safe journey home. I don’t know where God will send me but if not with the people I love, then I hope I am on a boat, on the river with the warm sun shining down. I’ll be waiting for you with my Mom and Dad, and our dog Bridget. Never forget the laughter and in time disregard the tears. I will love you all forever, I don’t think God can change that”

With much love, Your Mom, Grandmother and Friend

A service to Celebrate the life of Joan will be held at 5:00 pm Saturday, February 13th, by Father Robert Gray in the chapel of Arch L. Heady-Cralle Funeral Home, 2428 Frankfort Avenue. Friends and family are welcomed to visit on Saturday after 3 pm.