Joan Monahan
April 22, 1927 - March 19, 2018

It is with great sadness that the family of Joan Monahan (née Bower) announces her passing on 3/19/18 at age 90. She remained sharp until nearly the end. She died at home, as was her wish, with the round-the-clock care by her immediate family. Joan was born on April 22, 1927, and raised in the Greenville section of Jersey City, where she married, raised her children, graduated from college, and welcomed her first grandchildren into the world. Joanie was thoughtful, loyal, and tenacious, with a razor-sharp wit, unbridled honesty, and a fiercely independent spirit. Widowed at age 40 with three children and few assets, she saw them all finish college. She then went on to earn her own Bachelor's degree, entering the workforce later in life as a probation officer for Hudson County.

She loved to crochet and sew, was an avid reader and expert crossworder. She never turned down a request to babysit her grandchildren or their many pets. Her pie crusts, Thanksgiving gravy, and coleslaw remain unrivaled. While no one loved a bargain more than Joanie (the Dollar Tree stores are in peril without her), she was incredibly generous, and had an open door policy for family and friends. Joan was not outwardly sentimental, yet she kept careful records of the birthdays of those important to her and never once failed to mail a card or note. After retirement, she could usually be found at her kitchen table with her laptop and a cup of coffee, reading the day's news, emailing, researching family history, or Skyping with her great-grandchildren in California and NJ. She was also the family genealogist, meticulously compiling records to document her lineage in America back to the Revolutionary War and in Ireland as far back as the 1700s, a priceless gift for her descendants.

Joan was predeceased by her husband Donald, her parents, William and Ann (née Murtha) Bower, and two sisters, Lois and Claire. She is survived by her children, Donald Monahan (Suzanne) of Bayonne, Joanne Monahan (Denis Sweeney) of Jersey City, and Barbara Monahan of Red Bank; 6 grandchildren, Keely Halsey (Tom), Bridget McClain (Ed), Claire Sweeney, Kathryn Henne, Caitlin (Ryan Condal), and Ceire (Tom Feuker); and 7 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many other beloved family members and friends.

Joan/Mommy/Maw-maw/Mom-mom/Joanie, we were so lucky to have you in our lives. You will live on forever in our hearts.

Those wishing to honor her memory may donate to St. Francis Breadline for the Poor, an organization close to her heart (visit www.stfrancisbreadline.org). As she directed, and reflective of how she lived, her burial services will be simple and private. Arrangements by: Horizon Funeral Services of Toms River. Burial will be in Holy Name Cemetery, Jersey City.

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