Joan May Irwin

Born May 27, 1930 in Jersey City, NJ to the late George B. and Blanche M. (Dingwall) Taylor, Joan grew up in Hudson County. She spent most of her childhood summers at her grandparents’ home near the Jersey Shore; she had fond memories of accompanying her grandfather on his fishing boats. Joan often ventured back to her “Special Spot” in Point Pleasant, sometimes for an extended stay or just a few hours to sit by the inlet or walk on the beach.

Joan graduated from Union Hill H.S. in 1948 and earned her nursing degree in 1952 from Christ Hospital School of Nursing. She married her U.S. Marine Corp. sweetheart, Don, in 1954. They resided in Jersey City, Upper Darby, PA and Washington Township before settling on the Big Flatbrook in Sandyston in 1967 to raise their four children.

Joan had more than a 50-year long career as a registered nurse, working at Christ Hospital, Valley Hospital and Newton Memorial. She retired from Dover General Hospital where she loved working in the emergency room. Joan often served as a substitute nurse at the School of Conservation in Stokes Forest and Camp Don Bosco in Newton as well as a private duty nurse during her retirement. She was an “old school nurse” and was proud of her profession.

In addition to her parents, Joan was also predeceased by her husband, Donald J. Irwin; her sister, Judy Kramer; her son, Scott Irwin; and her grandson, Kevin Irwin. She is survived by her daughter, Joan Lynn Gerth and husband, Charles, of Sandyston; her sons, Donald G. Irwin and wife, Patricia, of Shohola, PA, and Thomas W. Irwin and wife, Eileen, of Canadensis, PA; her grandchildren, Daniel, Gregory, Christopher, and Steven Irwin and Craig, Kyle, Carly and Corey Gerth; her great-grandchildren, Zachary, Zoe and Finn; and her feline companion, Benji.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joan’s memory to Father John’s Animal House, 50 Father Johns Lane, Lafayette, NJ 07848.

Services are private under the direction of Wood Funeral Home, Branchville, NJ. Online condolences may be offered at www.woodfuneralhome.net.