Joan Burns

Joan McQuade Burns, originally from Garden City, Long Island and long-time former resident of Westwood, NJ, passed away on May 2, 2020 at the age of 94. Joan was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose home was warm, beautiful, and alive with children and animals. She loved the Catholic church and imparted a strong sense of values into each of her children. A gifted coloratura, Joan sang as soloist and member of the church choir. She was also a pianist and talented cook who made the best roast lamb on the east coast. After many years of raising her children and taking on such roles as Scout Leader, Class Mom, and Activities Director ad infinitum, she parlayed her love of cooking into a gourmet food business in Spring Lake, NJ that was the toast of town. Joan was the beloved wife of James F. Burns, Jr. for 65 years, and the mother of 5 children and their spouses: James III and Ligerie Burns, Dana and Richard Pizer, Susan Burns, Joan Burns, Nancy and Arthur Berodyn. Joan was also the proud grandmother of 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren: James “Mac” Ambrose, Christopher and Shanaya Burns, Gregory Pizer, Chelsea and Helder Freitas, James and Caitlin Burns; Mei Li Berodyn, Cora Freitas, Owen Freitas, Lucy Burns. Joan will be deeply missed for her motherly love, compassion, devotion, and warm enduring smile. A memorial service will be held at the Becker Funeral Home (Westwood, NJ) on a future date when the coronavirus is no longer a concern. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Paramus Veterans Memorial Home in Paramus, NJ.