Mrs. Joan Marie Lakatos

Joan Marie Lakatos, 92, of Marietta, Georgia, passed away on October 22, 2026. Born on January 19, 1934, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Joan grew up in Scranton and then in her teen years her family moved to Carteret NJ, where she graduated from Carteret High School. She went on to graduate from business school in NYC, where throughout her life she was a successful entrepreneur. She owned several businesses and built a life defined by hard work, faith, and an unwavering love for her family.

Joan was a strong, faithful, and devoted woman whose bright personality made her someone who never met a stranger. She had a gift for making people feel welcome and bringing people together. Known for her wonderful cooking and her gracious hospitality, she filled family gatherings with warmth, laughter, and love. Her Catholic faith was an important part of her life, and she volunteered at numerous Catholic churches throughout the years. She was one of God’s true prayer warriors and was a member of Transfiguration Catholic Church.

Joan found happiness in life’s simple pleasures and the traditions she shared with those she loved. She enjoyed bowling, reading, cooking, working on puzzles, playing bingo, dancing to polka music, enjoying ice cream, working out, and walking along the beach. Trips to Panama City Beach and Christmas celebrations with the entire family held a special place in her heart.

Above all, Joan’s greatest pride and accomplishment was her family. She treasured the large family she built and the generations that followed, finding immeasurable joy in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her strength, dedication, and faith were reflected in the family she raised and the love she gave so freely. Her family will forever cherish memories of her bright smile, her delicious cooking, and the special way she made everyone feel at home.

Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alexander Eugene Lakatos,her parents, John and Susan Dziak, and her grandson Dylan Charles Edwards.

She is survived by her four children: Donna Beth Chizmadia and her husband, Brian; Lori Ann Edwards and her husband, Robby Robison; Veronica “Ronnie” Hilbert and her husband, Ronald; and Alexander Eugene Lakatos.

She is also survived by her sister, Maryann Russo; her brothers, John Dziak Jr. and Joseph Dziak and his wife, Judie; and her sister-in-law, Diane Augestine, and her husband, Paul.

Her legacy continues through her beloved 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Joan will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her faith, strength, beautiful spirit, and love for her family will remain a lasting legacy for generations to come.

In keeping with Joan’s faith and the strength she carried throughout her life, her family remembers the words of Philippians 4:13:

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:13 (KJV)