Joan Rosemary Kelaher

Heaven welcomed another angel on December 30, 2024, with the passing of Joan Rosemary Kelaher of Fuquay-Varina NC. She combined a generous heart with an indomitable spirit and enduring sense of humor to brighten the lives of all those she touched.

Joan Rosemary Kelaher (nee Showalter) was born in Morristown NJ on July 27, 1935. After graduating from Bayley-Ellard High School (Madison NJ) and The College of St. Elizabeth (Convent Station NJ), she married the love of her life, John P. Kelaher of Jersey City, on August 10, 1957. They remained happily married until John’s untimely passing in 1975. They had five sons and eventually settled in New Providence NJ, where Joan stayed until moving to North Carolina with her son Tim in 2012.

Joan’s love for her family and friends was legendary. Over the years she cheered on her sons and grandchildren at countless baseball games, football games (even though she hated football!), wrestling bouts, swim meets, and volleyball matches, not to mention concerts, plays, recitals, and graduations. She lived for the beach, especially her beloved Jersey Shore. An avid figure-skating fan, she never missed the world championships or Winter Olympics. She loved drama and music, often accompanying her son Tim to live performances in New York City and, later, the Research Triangle. A talented artist, she brought her college art training to bear in her decades of work as a recreational therapist for the elderly in New Jersey.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband John as well as her parents George and Elizabeth Showalter, her sister Barbara Bailey, and her son Timothy. She is survived by her sons Thomas Kelaher (Martha) of Deerfield Beach FL, David Kelaher (Lisa) of Blairsville GA, Christopher Kelaher (Elizabeth) of Kensington MD, and Daniel Kelaher (Lisa) of Fuquay-Varina NC. She also leaves behind ten loving grandchildren (John, Shawn, Ryan, Kylie, Connor, Tessa, Molly, Katie, Sam, and Megan) and three adorable great-grandchildren (Jackson, Chloe, and Brian). Her legacy also includes a universe of people who benefited from her love and kindness over the years.

A Visitation will be held from 3 to 5PM on Friday, January 3, at Apex Funeral Home (550 W. Williams Street, Apex NC 27502). A public burial service will be held at 10AM on Tuesday, January 7 at St. Teresa’s Cemetery, 136 Passaic Avenue in Summit NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arthritis Foundation.