Margaret Joan Blake passed away Oct. 7. Joan was born in New York and lived in Fair Haven most of her adult life and then moved to West Long Branch.
She was predeceased by her loving husband Hugh. She is survived by her two sons, William and his wife Leslie, and James and his wife Jill. She has four grandchildren, Justin, Samantha, Maggie and Jeffrey and her new great-grandson Benjamin.
She started work at Fair Haven Sickles School then went to Rumson-Fair Haven High School as an aide. She loved her time with students in the halls, cafeteria and library, where she was affectionately known as “Mrs. B.”
She also enjoyed supporting the Fair Haven Fire Department during fair time alongside her friends and husband Hugh. She enjoyed spending summers at Sandy Hook beach. Joan was a member of the Church of the Nativity, Sand Pipers and had her own group of seniors who met at the mall weekly. She loved yard work and gardening.
She will always be remembered for her great sense of humor and always caring for other peoples’ needs before her own. She will also be remembered as being a sweet, kind soul looking to help others. Joan was a loyal New York Yankees fan and loved her Barnacle Bills’ cheddar burgers, glass of wine and Rooney’s hot dogs.
Services were private. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in her name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the American Heart Association.
Thompson Funeral Home, Red Bank, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
The article originally appeared in the October 15 – 21, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
