Joan Verdon Peer, age 84, passed away peacefully at home Dec. 15, 2021, surrounded by her adoring husband Norman and her children whom she loved so much.
Mrs. Peer was born in Hoboken Jan. 12, 1937, the fourth of John and Hazel Verdon’s five children. She was raised in Ridgewood and in 1958 earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature at Rosemont College outside Philadelphia.
While studying at Rosemont she met Norman Peer, then a student at Villanova University, who became the love of her life. They married in 1962 and, in 1970, settled in Little Silver where they raised their five children, who were born within eight years of each other. When all were teenagers, Joan and Norm welcomed foster children into their home, two of whom they adopted – the famous Peer twins, Jennifer Anne and Justin Michael. Over the next 12 years, they opened their door and their arms to many more, taking in 35 foster children in all.
Always dedicated to helping children in need, Joan worked tirelessly as a volunteer at the CPC (Children’s Psychiatric Center), where she supervised many field trips for children with special needs and helped plan numerous events and fundraisers. She served on the CPC benefits committee, which helped children and families in crisis.
Joan also volunteered her time and talents to the Monmouth County Foster Care System and the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County.
A longstanding volunteer for the Little Silver First Aid Squad, Joan earned the title of captain there in 1982.
She was devoted to her parish, St. George’s-by-the-River in Rumson, and loved singing in the church choir as well volunteering at the church’s Canterbury Fair.
For over 25 years, Joan and Norm were members of Navesink Country Club, where Joan enjoyed many activities, particularly paddle tennis, and met some of her dearest friends. Her weekly bridge group was very special to her. She also cherished vacations with family and friends, hosting Thanksgiving for over 30 people, and time spent with her beloved grandchildren.
Joan was predeceased by her son Kevin Peer.
She leaves Norm, her beloved husband of nearly 60 years; her son Andrew Peer of Highlands; and her daughters Jennifer McConnell (Tom) of Hingham, Massachusetts, Mollie Twining (Taylor)of Rumson, Sheila Smith (Todd) of Montclair, and Jennifer Anne. She also leaves her adoring grandchildren, Drew, Michael, Caroline, Brett, Jaz, Kali, Kyra, Haley, Madeline, Mason, Logan, Sarah, Lily and Jake.
She loved her children and grandchildren dearly, and she was equally loved by her family.
A memorial service will be held in the new year. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CASA at casaofmonmouth.org/give.
Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
The article originally appeared in the December 23 – January 6, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
