Joan I. O'Connor, of Lakewood, NJ and a former long time resident of Metuchen, NJ, passed peacefully, at her home, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

She was 96 years old and led a truly exemplary life.

Joan was born on July 18, 1929 to Leon and Irene Bader of
Rahway, NJ.

She attended Katherine Gibbs Secretarial school
and used her skills often throughout her life.

She fell in love and married Daniel O'Connor of Rahway, NJ in
1951, but was widowed in 1968.

She was a long time parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Cathedral in
Metuchen, NJ, where she worked during the 1960's and 1970's.

She was a superior and dedicated employee of Flynn and Son Funeral Home in Fords, NJ, where she enjoyed working for over 25 years, retiring at the age of 75.

Joan loved to spend a week each summer on Long Beach Island, where she came alive with family, grandchildren, and friends.

Joan was fortunate to have had many wonderful days under the sun and in the sea at the Jersey Shore and cherished her many memories of her time there.

To those that knew her well, she had a great sense of humor and possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of many things, but, in particular - the Golden age of Hollywood (yes, Tom Selleck actually was a chorus boy for Mae West!).

She always knew how to listen, how to handle life's occasional difficulties, and she somehow did it with her characteristic grace, class, and a glass of Zinfandel.

"She seemed to know, to accept, to welcome her position, the citadel of the family, the strong place that could not be taken." [The Grapes of Wrath]

Joan is survived by a daughter, Gwen, son Daniel and wife Jodie, son Christopher and wife Maura, son Peter and wife Susan. Her sister Carol and many nieces and nephews also carry on her memory. Joan loved her numerous grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

She is predeceased not only by her husband Dan, but by her sister Cathy and her granddaughter, Anna Grace.

A memorial visitation will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 10 am until 12 noon with a 11:30 am Memorial Service with Rev. Joseph Desmond officiating at the Flynn and Son/ Koyen Funeral Home, 319 Amboy Ave Metuchen, NJ 08840.

Cremation services were held privately.