Very odd occurrence today.  As I parked at Ellis Island this morning I thought of Joan.  I think that Joan just said hello back to me!

Rest in peace Joan.

Bob

Very saddened to learn of Joan's passing.  I grew up next door to her.  Back when neighbors kept an eye out.  She always had a smile, and an open door.   Sending deepest sympathy to John, Paul, Nancy and Vera, so very sorry for your loss.  May she rest peacefully.

With Sympathy,
Dorothy



Joan Kelly, as the center of attention, at her surprise 80th birthday bash on Ellis Island.

Rob and I send our condolences to my sister, Renata, my brother-in-law, John, and their children Lana, Sean, and Eric, as well as the rest of Joan’s family. The thing I remember most about Joan is how well she fit into our family during her Christmas get together a few years ago. She seemed to have lots of fun during our crazy gift exchange, and we all enjoyed having her there with us. 

Joan was a beloved co-worker for 15 years. We worked more and more closely together as the years passed. Payroll especially was a bonding experience for us, filling in for each other and helping each other make sure it was correct and complete. 

Joan was quick to help others, whether they were future visitors with a question about the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, recent visitors who had lost an item during their visit, co-workers with a question about where something was located, fellow plant lovers (who perhaps didn’t have Joan’s green thumb) needing advice for how to keep their new plant alive, colleagues chatting about family, including pets, friends needing someone to listen.

Joan was stubborn but quick to smile and always ready for a laugh. She had a good heart and it showed through all her interactions with her coworkers throughout the park. She filled our tummies with cookies and pretzels, the Interp office with rescued plants, and our hearts with joy.

From new co-worker to respected colleague to beloved coworker and dear friend, Joan will remain in my heart forever. 

Joan made an unforgettable impression on my life. She will be missed and I’m praying for peace and comfort to her family and friends during this time of grieving. 

Her generosity, wisdom, humor and understanding helped guide me as a young 20-something-year-old who trekked out to NYC on my own. She let me live with her while I tried to figure out my life and career. I’ll always be grateful for the conversations about what matters, the advice about “how not to look like a tourist in the city”, and the time spent getting to know her life story and family. It was a turning point in my life. 

She asked me to “pay it forward” and I’ve been doing that for the last 23 years since then. I will always cherish the memories I had with her. I consider myself blessed to have known Joan and be touched by heart of gold. 

May we all strive to treat others with compassion and openness, and be able to use timely wit to crack jokes and enjoy life like Joan! 

I  first met Joan at the wedding of our children. We had several things in common, including the bride and groom,  the same birthday date, May 20,  were employed at agencies working with people with disabilities and even more surprising was that she was wearing a dress identical to the one I  planned to wear to the wedding (except different color), but had changed my mind at the last minute.  We remained friends throughout the years.  I'm blessed to have known her. She will be missed.

My deepest condolences to the Kelly family on Joan's passing.  I worked with and knew Joan for 20 plus years at the Statue of Liberty National Monument.  Joan was always smiling, quick witted and joy to be around.  I know that Joan is now in a better place.

I hope you find solace in all of the wonderful memories that you have experienced together.

May God Bless Joan and her family. Rest in peace.



Joan was the heart and soul of our division at the Statue of Liberty and the Ellis Island immigration museum.  She lived to help people and loved to have long talks with visitors calling for information.  She answered letters and emails, helped teachers plan school visits, and tracked down owners of lost items to return their property.  She assisted survivors of the World Trade Center attack who were evacuated to Ellis, seeing to their needs and helping them contact loved ones.

Joan was like a mother to all our staff members, shepherding us through our work tasks and listening to our life stories.  Joan helped me personally at a time of loss in my family and I will never forget her kindness.

I think of her now in the office in much the same way as I thought of the Twin Towers in the aftermath of the attack.  The towers were such a fixture of the landscape that I would glance up expecting to see them as I walked in Manhattan or drove in Jersey, only to be jarred by the fact that they were absent.  Joan was such a presence in our office that I think I hear her voice now and glance at her desk as I walk in, only to be sadly reminded of her absence.

Joan will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.  She led a full life well lived.  I wish her spirit peace and joy, surrounded by loved ones human and animal, and I wish her family the solace of fond memories.


This is Joan doing the work she loved to do at the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, in this case answering letters from children.

Joan Kelly was a wonderful person to work with. I'm thankful to have known Joan while working at Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (STLI). I celebrate Joan's life and mourn her passing.


At work Joan showed up every day with her wise, quirky, positive attitude that was contagious. Joan always had an encouraging word; she offered timely advice, listened, and shared her experiences. 
 

Joan was feisty and playful. I'm remembering that Joan loved her dog/s, especially Honeybunch. Her desk area was covered with plants and little toys (see picture). As Secretary for our division, Joan created a warm workplace both figuratively and literally (she used a space heater by her feet).
 

Joan's zest for life overflowed. Joan often talked about her children; it was clear how much she loved her family. She had a group of close female friends with whom she enjoyed meeting. At work Joan joyfully answered questions, returned visitor phone messages, and fattened us with her cookies and treats. Joan was so giving and she gave so much to so many. Joan told me that she wanted to keep coming to work at STLI for as long as she was able. She never wanted to retire. Joan got her wish in the end.


Through John and Renata, our family got to know Joan.  Over the years they’ve shared some of her fun stories, her work ethic, and her bold personality.  A few years ago we were blessed to have her join our family Christmas in Blue Springs Missouri, a special memory for all of us. If not for the distance there would have been more such occasions. Joan was a wonderful person who gave of herself to help others. She has earned a peaceful rest. Please know your family is in our prayers. 
Mike and Rhonda Haake, Jefferson City MO

Joan was a kind and gracious host to a skinny 16 year old from Missouri. I'll always remember her being willing to indulge my questions and her desire to show me a bit of big city life. Through John she became a part of our family and i regret that geography kept us all from knowing each other better. God bless you and your family, Joan. 

Cla and Jan Stearns, Prairie Home, MO

I have known Joan since I joined the NPS in 2001.  Throughout the years, our friendship was forged through laughter, sadness, knowledge of life, the good and tough times, and I have always learned so much from Joan.  Joan was a mother figure to all the Ranger staff and she showed us to live life by your rules.  She was a strong, caring, and compassionate person.  
Legendary is how I describe her.  
Joan once said to me: "Always have direction in life.  When you feel lost at times, keep focused on that direction.  And live it up because no one will do it for you!"
I will always remember those talks and great times with you. I can still hear your voice and your laugh.  
I love and miss you Joan.    

OBITUARY

Joan A. Kelly

May 20, 1937 – January 18, 2023

Harmon Funeral Home

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