On May 20, 2026, Joanne Cella Howlett passed away peacefully.

Joanne was predeceased by her beloved husband, the late Honorable Judge Joseph Howlett, as well as her siblings, Mary Alice and Larry. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Skyler (Jennifer), Kristen (Stephen), and Stephanie (Jean); her stepchildren, Joseph Jr., Lori, Viola, and Danielle; her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Theresa (John), Louise, and Franky (Betty). She also shared a close bond with her niece, Amy (John), and held deep love for all of her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, each of whom will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Born to Francis and Alice, Joanne was one of six children raised in Philadelphia. She attended Saul High School before building a life defined by determination, resilience, and compassion. Throughout the years, Joanne worked in many professions, bringing with her an impressive range of talents and skills before ultimately finding great pride and purpose in serving as a Philadelphia Police Officer.

Though small in stature, Joanne's spirit was larger than life. Her warmth could light up any room, and her generosity knew no bounds. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel seen, valued, and loved—whether through a thoughtful gesture, a comforting word, or simply her presence. Joanne instinctively put others before herself, offering unwavering support and kindness to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Joanne found joy in life's simplest and most meaningful moments. She loved every holiday and every opportunity to gather with family, celebrate, decorate, laugh, and create lasting memories. She believed life itself was something to celebrate. Even during doctor's appointments, Joanne could often be found wearing one of her beloved onesies, bringing humor and light wherever she went. She often said that if she could make even one person smile, her day was worthwhile—a reflection of the joy and selflessness that defined her life.

Over the years, Joanne faced numerous health challenges, most notably blood cancer. She faced them with extraordinary courage, grace, and dignity. Even during her own battles, her greatest concern remained the well-being of those she loved. Her strength and resilience inspired all who stood beside her.

Joanne also possessed a spirited stubbornness that made her unforgettable—a true firecracker with a fierce heart and endless devotion to her family. Above all else, she was deeply proud of her children, who always knew they were loved beyond measure, no matter the distance.

Joanne will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, generosity, and unwavering love. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched—among family, dear friends, and even those who crossed her path only briefly. To know Joanne was to experience warmth, strength, laughter, and unconditional love.

A private memorial will be held by the family to honor Joanne's life and celebrate the beautiful legacy she leaves behind. Though we will not be gathering with everyone, the family invites those who knew and loved Joanne to use this page to share stories and photographs. Joanne loved a good story, but even more, she loved capturing life's special moments through pictures and preserving memories with those she loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of kindness in Joanne's memory: donate your time to someone in need, offer support to a neighbor, give clothing to a local shelter, or donate to your charity of choice. Joanne believed that a lasting legacy is not measured by material things, but by the love, compassion, and goodness we cultivate in the lives of others. She celebrated life in all its forms and found joy in bringing happiness to those around her. It is the family's hope that her spirit of kindness, generosity, and love will continue to live on through the lives she touched and the generations that follow. A memorial bench will be installed in Horsham at a local park. Details will be shared at a later time.