Joyce Skop

Joyce Skop had more than nine lives and her family and friends were the ones who benefited from her courage and tenacity. Yet it was at 84 years old, after battling significant health challenges, that she requested to die peacefully in her own home with the people whom she loved. Her wish became reality when she passed away calmly in the early morning of May 7th.

Joyce was forced to outlive her true love and life partner, Jerry, who passed away almost eight years ago to the day of her passing. They were set up on a blind date, they were engaged after the six months, and their love story lasted over 55 years. She started out working as a secretary for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and they often met in the city after work for dinner and a Broadway play. She prided herself on being his wife and they built their life together from Brooklyn to Queens to Lakewood, NJ. While Jerry continued to work all the way in New York City, she was happy to be a full-time mom to both Laurie and Mark for 12 years. When they were older, she worked as a librarian for the Ocean County Observer and a clerk typist for the Ocean County Board of Social Services. Joyce and Jerry created a relaxing retirement in a new home in Lake Ridge, Toms River, where she was an active member in the Movie Committee, Shalom Club, and the Women’s Club. She adored gardening, reading, and getting together with the many new friends she enjoyed there for years.

Joyce always said that being a grandparent was having membership in the greatest club in the world. David and Dani Tauman were fortunate to be the recipients of that grandma love.

Over the past year, Joyce had angels for caregivers. As she needed 24-hour care, her aides became family. Dubbed Miss Joyce, they made sure that she always felt beautiful and cared for, encouraging her to live every day to its fullest. Thank you to Lori, LaDonna, Laquana, Shawn, Dharia, Crystal, Tyeesha and Lisa for giving Joyce a beautiful ending.

Of the many who will miss her dearly will be Mark Skop and his wife, Ilene Langweil, Laurie Skop and her partner, Robert Galbraith, Sheldon Tauman and his and Laurie’s kids, David Tauman and Dani Tauman, as well as cousins Carole Singer, Chris Singer, and Elaine Shear.

Relatives & Friends Received will be held on May 11, 2026, starting at 11:00 am. at D'Elia Funeral Home;1300 Vermont Ave, Lakewood, NJ. A funeral service will start at 11:30 am.

Interment will be private.