Joan was born in Newark, NJ, to the late John Gordon and Alice (Gutleber) Forbes. She worked while at Millburn High School by babysitting and helping her father in his seed business. Joan graduated from Endicott College in Beverly, Mass. earning her degree in Architectural Design and Art History, with Phi Theta Kappa Honors. She worked for Macy’s and Lord & Taylor in the Fashion Design Department and was a Section Manager, Training Instructor and Assistant Buyer in silverware for Hahne & Co. in Newark.
Joan was an incredibly gifted designer and artist, skills she used frequently in her passion for renovating houses. She enjoyed playing duplicate bridge, painting, gardening, aerobic dancing and crossword puzzles. Joan took great pride in managing the household, finances and planning their retirement house. She also helped her husband, Ed, type and edit their township’s Taxpayers Association Newsletter for 28 years. Joan also volunteered much of her time to Mental Health, Environmental and Political research. She was a kind, strong, loving and dedicated wife, mother and friend to those around her.
In addition to her parents, Joan was sadly predeceased by her sons, Robert Richard Szabo formerly of Newton, NJ and John Alexander Szabo formerly of Yarmouth, ME; and her brother, Richard Forbes. She is survived by her beloved husband of 70 years, Edgar Szabo.
Private services to honor Joan’s life are being planned. Online condolences may be offered at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested in Joan’s memory to the Newton Medical Center Behavioral Unit, 175 High St, Newton, NJ 07860 or to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave, Newton, NJ 07860.
