Patricia Jean Martin's Obituary
Patricia Jean (Swank) Martin of Mercer, PA passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 81.
Patricia, or Jean, as she was better known, was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Diamond) Swank. She was raised on Neville Island and was a graduate of Neville High School, class of 1962. She went on to graduate from the Ohio Valley School of Nursing, class of 1965.
Jean was a long-time resident of Mercer, PA where she raised a family with her husband, David F. Martin Sr. She was a beloved and active member of the community. She even served as Mercer's Judge of Elections for many years. Her professional accomplishments and willingness to help others earned her the unofficial title of "neighborhood nurse." Jean also knew how to have fun. She kept active with hobbies like roller skating and dancing, specifically, tap dancing with the Toast of the Town Tappers.
Jean's passion for nursing drove her to pursue various nursing specialties over her long, successful career. However, it was her love of geriatrics that would lead her to spend 30 years at the Mercer County Living Center (later known as Woodland Place). There she rose to become Assistant Director and then Director of Nursing and Education Specialist. She guided several generations of CNAs and LPNs through their nursing school education, teaching at Woodland Place and the Mercer County Vo-Tech School until her retirement in 2016.
Jean's legacy of compassion and care remains a beacon to those in the nursing profession and beyond. Her devotion and level of care shown to her patients, family, friends, students, and community will be truly missed.
Jean is survived by her children Amy Ignatz (Thomas), David F. Martin Jr. (Megan), and Sandra Stanley (Michael); her grandchildren Erica Ignatz, Lauren Ignatz, Sean Stanley, and Leah Stanley; her great-grandson Alex Atkins; siblings John Swank (Chris) and Joanne Prostko; as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband David F. Martin Sr., parents John and Elizabeth Swank, grandson Edward David Stanley, and sister Judy Gunter.
Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm, and Saturday, February 14 from 1pm-2:30pm at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home. A Blessing service will be held in the funeral home chapel following Saturday's visitation.
There are also plans for a spring memorial service in Mercer. Details will be announced at a later date.
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