Joan was born on December 9, 1934 in Boonton, NJ and raised in East Orange, NJ. As a December baby, her favorite season was winter and she loved ice skating and sledding as a girl. Joan was a fiercely independent woman and a proud retiree from Johnson & Johnson’s quality control division since 1998. She was known for her passionate work ethic and wit. Joan was a member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Newton and volunteered at their food pantry for several years.
Joan was predeceased by her parents, Harry and Hazel; and her siblings Joe, Nelson, Donald, and Barbara. She is survived and missed by her cat, James; her daughter, Denise Yanko; her grandchildren, Joe (Jenny) and Amy; and her great-grandchildren, Andraya and Michael.
Services are private under the direction of Smith-McCracken Funeral Home.
Joan was a long time supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Toys for Tots, and Boys Town; in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joan's memory.
Online condolences may be offered to the family below.
