Joan (née La Karnafeaux) Tecce

Joan Tecce (née La Karnafeaux), age 92, of West Chester, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2026.

Born in Philadelphia in 1934, she was the beloved daughter of the late John Paul and Margaret (née Bell) La Karnafeaux. Joan was a proud member of the Upper Darby High School Class of 1951.

Joan was a gifted artist and an exceptionally creative person who found joy in painting and writing poetry. She had a remarkable ability to make others feel valued and appreciated because she took a genuine interest in their lives. Her kindness, warmth, and curiosity enabled her to build countless cherished friendships that endured throughout her life.

Joan was the beloved wife of the late Anthony B. “Tony” Tecce; devoted mother of Josie Tecce (Kim), Michael Tecce (Eileen), Gina Ellis (Ray), and the late Mark Christopher Tecce; loving grandmother of John Tecce (Rachel), Lauren Lattimer (Scott), Jake Ellis, Matt Ellis (Katya), and Jessica Ellis (Matt T.); and proud great-grandmother of Ryan Tecce, Cameron Lattimer, Colin Tecce, and Maddie Lattimer.

Services and interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in memory of Mark Tecce.