Joan C. Largey, 90, of Sea Bright, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully March 12, 2023, in her home beside her loving and devoted husband of 67 years, Thomas P. Largey.
Joan was born Feb. 4, 1933, in South River to the late John and Charlotte Zelanko. Joan had an idyllic childhood and was the eldest sister of the late Charlotte (Eskesen) and Marlene (Wisniewski.) Joan and her sisters walked to school (Campbell Grammar School and South River High School) and had many escapades along the way. As a child, Joan learned to draw and play the piano and developed her lifelong love of reading.
After high school, Joan worked for a short time at the Switlik Parachute Company in New Brunswick ─ an experience that solidified her desire to become a nurse. She then began her studies at Saint Peter’s Nursing School in New Brunswick. Joan graduated in 1955 as a Registered Nurse. She was a recovery room nurse up until she married her beloved Tom, whom she met on a blind date orchestrated by her good friend and nursing school classmate, Eileen (Clark) Largey.
So began the rest of her life as a devoted, loving and proud wife, mother and grandmom. She is survived by Tom and their children Tommy, Patrick, John, Brian and Linda; by Brian’s wife Kathleen and their children, Rick, Caecilia and Gwenyth; and Linda’s husband Gregory Whitehead and their children Nathaniel and Zachary. Joan is also survived by her sister Marlene and brother-in-law Rich, her niece Marlene Mary (Hart) and her great-niece Mackenzie; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Richard and Nona, Joseph and Janice, and Eileen (wife of the late Robert) and numerous loving nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her sister-in-law Patricia (Largey) Crawford and her husband Robert.
Joan’s long and blessed life was filled with love, laughter and excitement. She loved her family adventures of skiing and sailing (although harrowing), her volunteer work at the “Spy House,” trips to Atlantic City, and the numerous concerts she attended at the “old” Garden State Arts Center (courtesy of Greg).
Becoming a grandmom with the birth of Nate and Zach was the icing on the cake of her life. They brought her pure joy. She particularly loved traveling with them, watching them play their sports and music, but most especially loved watching them altar serve together and getting her and Pop’s nightly call and a prayer from Zach and Nate. The “cherry on top” was the wonderful addition of Rick, CeCe and Gwen when Brian married Kathleen.
Joan hit a few bumps in the road in terms of her health the last couple of years, as a result of an aortic aneurysm. She muddled through with the help of her devoted family and her constant watchmen, Pat and John. All the while, her infectious sense of humor remained intact. Her unwavering love was our guiding light and will remain our beacon.
Joan devoted her life to her family and to God, and she was resolute in her Catholic faith ─ which helps give us solace. Until we meet again.
Visitation for Joan was held March 22 at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown. A Funeral Liturgy will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 23, at Saint Catherine’s Roman Catholic Church, 110 Bray Ave., Middletown. Burial will follow at Holmdel Cemetery, 900 Holmdel Road, Holmdel.
The article originally appeared in the March 23 – 29, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
