Joan Cetina-Thomas

Joan Cetina-Thomas, 79, of Pataskala, Ohio passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 28th, 2024.

She was born on April 5th, 1945, in Newton Falls, Ohio and was the daughter of Joseph and Rebecca Cetina. She was proceeded in death by her parents and her older brothers, Joseph Cetina and Robert Cetina.

Joan graduated from Heidelberg College in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and pursued her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Ohio State University, graduating in 1971. She married Rufus Thomas in 1972 and had two sons, Justin and Marcus.

Joan went on to have a lengthy career in social work. She was a member of National Association of Social Workers, obtained her professional certification from ACSW and dedicated her career to working with abused, neglected and troubled children. Her career included time at Franklin County Children Services, Columbus Children’s Hospital and Harding Hospital.

Joan is survived by her sisters Sandra Cetina and Kay Henning, her brothers Karl Cetina and Eric Cetina, her sons Justin and Marcus, grandsons Lincoln and Charles, and her faithful canine companion, Sugar.

 Joan was a caring soul who had a keen eye for antiques, was a sharp Scrabble player (though occasionally inventing her own words) and an improviser in the kitchen. She was a Buckeye through and through who loved Saturday football. Even through her battle with her illness, she was able to keep her sense of humor and sarcastic wit. Her sense of humor and caring nature impacted everyone around her.

 Joan was a beloved sibling, mother and grandmother who will be deeply missed.