It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joann M. Mascola, beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, who left this world surrounded by her family on February 7, 2026, at Lehigh Valley Hospice in Allentown. She was 78 years old. Joann was the wife and companion of the late Peter T. Mascola and the late Joseph Tonzola Sr. before his passing in 1987.

Born on March 10, 1947, in Irvington, NJ, she was the daughter of the late James and Mary (Cuzzolino) Zavaglia.

Joann was infectious to those who knew her. She carried the weight of the world on her shoulders effortlessly. She defined perseverance, resilience, and empathy. She poured her love, understanding, and admiration into her family and friends. She was a pillar for those who needed help in times of weakness. She was a light for those in times of darkness. She was a voice for those who were troubled and feeling speechless. Joann had a special calm about her that you felt instantly, and it was truly infectious. Words cannot put into perspective the type of person she was or the impact she had on loved ones.

Joann was relentless in all endeavors. Committed to her family and her career as an accountant-not only in her own business but in the many businesses she helped manage throughout her lifetime-she embodied dedication and excellence. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to run multiple ventures, from a family‑owned bed and breakfast to a roller skating rink where she created countless memories for her children.

She loved all animals-dogs, cats, birds, and especially horses, which she once owned. She adopted many dogs that most would pass up: older dogs with little time left or special‑needs conditions. To say she was a selfless mother, friend, and worker is an understatement.

Joann gave her daughters, Sandra Mascola and Gina Mascola, the same strength, courage, and determination she possessed, enabling them to have very rewarding careers in finance and service in the automotive industry. Joann was pivotal in helping her son, Joe Tonzola Jr., embark on a long and rewarding hockey career. She sacrificed no expense-time, energy, or money-providing the best training with some of the best athletes the sport had to offer. It goes without saying that she was the matriarch of her family and loved her grandchildren just as much as her own children.

She left the world abruptly, but not without leaving behind her wisdom, faith, sacrifices, determination, kindness, love, and ultimately, her perseverance. Joann Mascola was a beautiful selfless soul whose presence was rare and irreplaceable - truly one of one. She touched all who knew her, and that feeling will never be lost as they carry her spirit with them.

Joann is survived by her children, Gina Martinez of Lehighton, Joseph Tonzola, Jr., and his wife Lawna, of Lehighton; grandchildren: Alencia, Alex, Jaidon, Lucia, Giavanna, Caylinn, Dominick; brother, Joe Zavaglia Jr., and his wife, Marianne as well as her Persian Cat, Dino, who was always by her side. She was predeceased by her daughter Sandra Mascola, brothers, James Zavaglia, Jr. and Vincent Zavaglia.

Services and Interment for Joann will take place privately at the convenience of the family. Arrangements and cremation are under the care and direction of the George G. Bensing Funeral Home, Inc. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at: bensingfuneralhome.net.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made to help with final expenses through the crowdfunding option provided below, within the funeral home website obituary.