Obituary of Joan Marie Sapienza

In Loving Memory

Joan Marie McHugh Sapienza passed away at her home in Brooklyn on April 8, 2020. She was surrounded by her adoring children, and went peacefully after a long battle with cancer. She is remembered for her long blonde braid, Irish soda bread, beautiful crocheting, delicious rainbow cookies and her infectious smile. 

She was a loving mother and Nana who treasured her grandloves and embraced every moment with them. An avid Met fan; she could often be heard clapping, cheering and yelling during the games. She was a member of the St Edmunds Alumni where she graduated in 1975 and graduated St. Joseph’s College with her degree in teaching. Her love for education and teaching was shared with her church Good Shepard, where she taught CCD as well. She was known as Mama to many and often times would be surrounded by her children and their friends. She created a warm and loving environment for those who knew her. She just celebrated 22 years sober and was very proud to be a part of that journey with her dear friend Karen Martinez. 

She was born May 29, 1957 to the late Michael & Mary McHugh and is predeceased by her brother John McHugh.  She leaves her beloved Barry and her children; Daniel (Nicole), GySgt Kenneth (Lindsey), Princess Joanna & Officer Thomas and her grandchildren Andrew, Jonathan and Scarlett Sapienza. Her siblings Father Michael McHugh, James McHugh (Cathleen), Margaret Casey (Ray), Joseph McHugh, Mary McGeary (Kevin), Kevin McHugh (Julissa), Katherine Schilling (John) and Elizabeth O’Brien (William) all survive her and will miss her immensely. 

The family is having a private service and a mass and memorial will be held at a later date.