Joan P. St. Martin

Joan “Ann” Peters St. Martin, 83, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana on Saturday, July 23, 2022. Born in Wallace, LA, Joan moved to New Orleans at a young age and would go on to call the Crescent City her home. She is a graduate of Xavier University Preparatory School’s class of 1957, and she continued her post-secondary studies at Xavier University of Louisiana and Straight Business School. After her educational pursuits, she served proudly as a paraprofessional educator in the New Orleans Public School system for more than 30 years, specializing in mathematics and Black history. She was a true New Orleanian, sharing the city’s passion for creativity and carrying herself with a style and grace perfectly suited for a town as vibrant as it is lively. Joan used her closet as a painter uses their canvas–expressing herself through fashion, coordinating each outfit from head to toe without a single accessory or piece of jewelry out of place. As a passionate appreciator of the arts, she hosted art exhibits in her community and organized programs designed to draw attention to the work of both established and up-and-coming artists alike. Though her home of more than 70 years might be called “The City That Care Forgot,” Joan did anything but. She was a proven community leader who constantly answered the call to uplift those most in need of help. As an activist and skillful communicator, Joan used her gifts to successfully organize political rallies, fundraisers, and volunteer events all in service of underserved communities across the city. Joan was especially proud of her work on Project Pride, a program she created and oversaw that helped children in Tremé build social skills. Her passion for building up the local community also extended to her faith, serving in multiple public-facing roles at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Joan was most proud of her family, friends, and the unending love that she poured into all her relationships. She was a skilled conversationalist, but she didn’t just want to talk for the sake of talking–Joan wanted to learn about your story and encourage you to be the best version of yourself. Just as she had a keen sense for seeing the talent in the artists that she worked with, she also had a sharp eye for the inner gift found in other people. She loved getting to know people and cherished every opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life–no matter how small or big that might be. The level of her compassion for helping others was only matched by her generosity with her time and resources. Though no longer here with us in person, Joan has left us with her spirit and a lifetime of wonderful memories. She should be proud to look back on a legacy full of creativity, compassion, and love. Joan poured so much work into nurturing the lives of those around her, and now, she can rest peacefully while watching the fruits of her labor blossom. Joan reunites with her husband of 40 years and the love of her life–Jude P. St. Martin. She is also preceded in death by her son, Jude St. Martin Jr.; her Mother, Bernice Schexnayder Peters; her father, Alfred G. Peters; her sister, Faye Bush; and her brother, Alfred Marks Peters. Joan is survived by her daughter, Jeanine S. Gabriel; her son-in-law, Brian A. Gabriel Sr.; her sisters Carolyn Peters and Mary Hurst,; her grandson Brian A. Gabriel Jr.; her granddaughter, Dominique Jeanine Gabriel; her goddaughter Cindy Manego-Shackelford; and a host of friends and loved ones. Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at St. James Major Catholic Church, 3736 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at 10:00 AM. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM. Arrangements by: D. W. Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70125. Interment: St. Louis No. 3, 3421 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook. A repass will be held at Corpus Christi Community Center from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations are made in the name of Joan “Ann” Peters St. Martin to St. Katharine Drexel Preparatory School (Xavier Prep) Scholarship Fund. Please contact 504-889-6061, option 4