Joan Angela Daugherty passed away on July 20, 2021 after a short illness at home. Born in Newark, NJ to William Mulligan and Mary McGuire, she grew up in Nutley NJ. As a child she would sneak stray cats into her bedroom closet as she wanted them to have a home. Afflicted with rheumatic fever at an early age she was home tutored for a time and would watch from her front porch as kids would roller skate, ride their bikes and play. She adored her mother and as the youngest of three became her constant companion, feeding hobos that would show up on their back door steps.
After graduating Nutley High School, Joan took a job as a receptionist at the prestigious law firm of Pitney Hardin & Kip which she enjoyed for some time. She later married Dix Daugherty and they had two children. She thought Dix was the most handsome man she ever saw and happily followed him as he chased work as a mason. It wasn’t always easy and they moved frequently. But she always made it an adventure for her children.
They eventually moved to Point Pleasant where Joan took a job at McDonalds with the D’Ambrosia’s. They had the mother’s hours she wanted so she could be home when her children were. Her children were her pride and joy. Joan remained shy and did not join groups or spend time with friends. She vested all her time into raising her two children, but was always known as the pretty woman with the kind smile.
Joan eventually moved to Brick and began working at Johnson’s Hardware in Point Pleasant Beach. She very much enjoyed her position and as her children were grown she made friends at work and was well thought of at the hardware store. Her husband passed away in 1990 and Joan later worked at Steinbachs in Brick where her daughter and granddaughter Brittany would like to visit her. She enjoyed dressing up for work and found her niche working in fashion jewelry.
She was heartbroken when Steinbach closed but found employment with JC Penney’s in the same department. She made many friends and won numerous awards there. She still dressed to the nines and would recall all the childhood friends of her children and report to them who she saw and who was married and who had kids. She was so proud when her granddaughters Brittany and Juliet would visit her at work. She would grab their hands and walk from department to department to the offices upstairs and introduce them to everyone.
Unfortunately a broken hip forced her to tearfully retire. She remained fiercely independent and was always up for an adventure. She and her daughter spent much time together visiting Brittany at work, trips to Barnes and Noble, Tuscany’s, all of Juliet’s activities at school, church and of course basketball. The highlight of her day was when her son would come to visit and they would talk about current events and politics.
Joan enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, Chinese Checkers, Othello, Skipbo and Scrabble. She made an impression on everyone she met. She enjoyed lunching with her niece Dixie and reminiscing about years gone by. She was the classy lady, always looked nice, hair done and lipstick on. Quiet and shy she was happy to sit in the company of her daughter’s friends who included her in every outing and celebration. She was fondly known as Nana and was always up for a 4’oclock Miller Lite in a pretty glass at home or out. Always happy and kind, never selfish.
Joan leaves behind to cherish her memories her son Greg and Millie, daughter Joanie Vanucci, granddaughters Brittany Van Arsdale and John Sontag, and Juliet Vanucci. She was also surrounded by an incredible circle of friends that spent the last months making sure she was never alone. Adrienne, Gwynn, Laura, Pam, John, Jenn, Kelly, Laura, Dave and her very special girl McKenzie. At the end it is about love, make every day count. It is 4 o’clock somewhere! Sláinte!
Please join the family in a Celebration of Life on Sunday August 8, 2021 at 701 Forepeak Avenue Beachwood, NJ from 12-5. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Jersey Shore Animal Center, 185 Brick Boulevard, Brick, New Jersey 08723, in remembrance of Joan Daugherty.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.8.18