Born, raised and educated in Staten Island, New York; Joan, as she was lovingly known by her family and friends, was the daughter of the late Frank and Margaret (Hilton) Crooks. She was a graduate of St. Peter’s High School for Girls and continued her education at Fordham University receiving her bachelor’s degree in Education and earned her master’s degree in Education and Art at Richmond College.
Because of her father’s Coast Guard Career she lived away from Staten Island, in Honolulu, San Diego, and Chicago.
A talented actress, she performed in many school and amateur productions. For many years, she was a Lector at St. Teresa Roman Catholic Church, and particularly devoted to St. Therese, the Little Flower. She was a member of Sacred Heart Parish Young Adult Cordius Club.
A lifelong learner and educator, Joan spent her entire professional career as an elementary grade school teacher and art instructor in New York City where she loved to establish the foundation for knowledge and the arts in the young minds of her students. A natural and gifted artist, Joan enjoyed in her personal life the arts and music of various cultures. She found great value behind creativity and loved sharing that with the many generations she taught.
A truly selfless woman, Joan was always there to help and had a genuine concern for others, especially those less fortunate. She was associated with several charities providing help and support for animals in need. She always had a positive outlook and a true fighting spirit even during times of adversity. She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.
Joan is survived by her sister, Eleanor Nugent and her husband Gerald, her nephew, Michael Nugent and his wife Kim and their sons, Liam and Kyle, her cousin and goddaughter Linda Palladino, and her extended family members and many dear cousins.
ARRANGEMENTS: Joan’s funeral will be held from the Harmon Funeral Home, 571 Forest Ave., Staten Island on Tuesday, November 12th at from 8 to 10 A.M. followed by her funeral Mass in St. Teresa R.C. Church at 10:45 A.M. Burial in Ocean View Cemetery. Visiting hours on Monday, November 11th from 2 to 4 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan’s memory to the Kaplan Family Hospice House c/o Care Dimensions 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923.
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