Kain-Murphy Funeral Services, 15 West End Avenue, Haddonfield, NJ (2025)

10/24/2025

Joan L. Giordano
Age: 82 of Cherry Hill, Formerly of Haddonfield

(nee Olivieri) Passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025. Joan was the devoted wife of Ron Giordano; cherished mother of Kit Giordano (Alejandro Silva); adoring grandmother of Lena and Dom Silva.

Joan was born in Port Richmond, Philadelphia to loving parents Lena (Iannucci) and Edward. An excellent dancer, Joan was recruited for both Grady and Hurst and American Bandstand (where Dick Clark told her to spit out her chewing gum). Ever the city girl, after begrudgingly agreeing to accompany her best friend Kathleen to a South Jersey bar, she met Ron and moved there shortly after their wedding at the Drake Hotel in 1968.

In addition to being a selfless mother and wife, Joan worked for the Camden County Improvement Authority for decades, most recently as a Job Developer helping people rejoin the workforce until her retirement in 2014. She was the recipient of the Sharon Dutra Memorial Public Service Award, as well as the Camden County Labor Management Person of the Year Award for her service to the community.

She also volunteered countless hours at Image & Attitude, an organization that helped people find outfits for interviews and jobs, which coupled nicely with her passion for fashion and shopping. If not at the mall, you could find Joan traveling to New York with her friends and family to check out the newest Broadway musical, heading to the movie theater for the latest release, wine tasting, or viewing the brand new exhibit at the Philly Museum of Art (all while impeccably dressed). Otherwise, she could be found joyously spoiling her granddaughters or listening to her adorably talkative husband regale her with old stories or serenade her with the eponymous song “Joanie-O.” She will be forever remembered for her elegance, generosity, and wit.

Joan’s family will receive friends on Tuesday Oct. 28th, 10-10:45 AM at Christ the King R.C. Church, 200 Windsor Ave, Haddonfield, NJ: where her Funeral Mass will follow at 11 AM. Interment, private. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Joan’s name may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (www.michaeljfox.org).

10/07/2025

Kay Meckley Spicer

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kay Meckley Spicer, who departed this life peacefully on October 5, 2025, in St. Simons Island, Georgia. Born in Northumberland County, PA, and later to move to Haddonfield, NJ, Kay lived a life defined by love, joy, kindness and devotion to her husband, Russell Spicer (Coach/aka "Pop") of 43 years, to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and to her many students and friends.
Kay was predeceased by her Mother, Father, and Sister, as well as her loving husband Russell Spicer.

Kay is survived by two sons, Russell Christopher Spicer and Guy Kevin Spicer (Faye Chastain Spicer), all of which currently live in St. Simons Island, GA. She is also survived by four grandchildren and their spouses along with six great grandchildren: Brian Christopher Spicer (Jennifer Spicer) (Kai & Sydney)(Haddonfield, NJ); Kristen Rae Spicer Wyre (Dr. Hadley Wyre) (Kansas City, KS); Russell Weston Spicer (Jennifer Spicer)(Stella & Dean)(Clarkesville, GA); Kevin Elliott Spicer (Sarah Spicer)(Ari & Mila)(Winder, GA).

In addition to these, Kay is survived by two nieces, Tracie Leitzel of Milton, PA and Andrea Trivelpiece of Watsontown, PA.

Kay's presence was a gift to all who knew her. She had many many friends and she loved spending time with each of them. She also loved playing golf and had achieved 3 holes in one. She spent 32 years teaching 2nd and 3rd grade students at Tatem Elementary in Haddonfield, NJ, starting in 1961 and retiring in 1993. After retirement, Kay and Russ retired to Bradenton, FL. Kay moved to St. Simons Island, GA in 2024 to be closer to her sons. Kay was a member of the Haddonfield Presbyterian Church.

Two Celebration of Life Services will be held for Kay. The first service is to be held on October 9, 2025 at 11am at Vitality Living, 3651 Frederica Road, St. Simons Island, GA. The second service will be held on October 31, 2025, at 11am at Locustwood Memorial Park, 1500 Route 70 West, Cherry Hill, NJ 08022. Family will greet guests at the Visitation Service to be held on October 30, 2025 from 6-8pm at Kain-Murphy Funeral Services located at 15 West End Avenue, Haddonfield, NJ 08033.

10/03/2025

Yvonne A. Carpenter
Age 88 of Haddonfield

Passed away on September 19, 2025. Yvonne was the devoted wife of Thomas “Tuck “Carpenter (pre-deceased) for 59 years; adoring mother of Thomas Andrew “Andy” (Lara) Carpenter, Kelly (Brad) Carpenter Minor, Scott “Casey” (Dineen) Carpenter, and Karey (Mike) Carpenter Dooley; cherished grandmother of 11 and great-grandmother of one, older sister to Randall (Gloria) Irion, and Richard Irion both of Vineland, NJ.
Yvonne was born in 1937 in Philadelphia, PA, and later moved to Vineland, NJ, where she was raised alongside her two younger brothers, Randall and Richard Irion. She often shared stories of her family life and her elementary school-age days, which were marked by restrictions during World War II. Her love of the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew mysteries influenced her when telling stories of her own with dramatic flair, just another side of her creativity.
Yvonne was born with a natural talent and utilized her gift of art in drawing, painting, and other media throughout her education, graduating from Vineland High School in 1955. She adored her school-aged friends and often spoke of nights in her family's basement as a teenager, almost every weekend, as some of her happiest memories. Yvonne followed her interest in modern art to become a member of the first graduating class of art students from Glassboro State College, now known as Rowan University. She went on to become an elementary and middle school art teacher in both Stratford and Haddonfield Schools.
She and her husband Tuck loved sharing the story of the night they met on a triple blind date; within a week, they were never apart, marrying in 1965. Yvonne and Tuck raised their four children in his hometown of Haddonfield, NJ. Their family home was an 1878 Victorian she loved with all her heart and soul, where her creative talents were on full display. Yvonne, with Tuck's help, brought new life to every corner of their home, from refinishing the woodwork to hand-stenciled walls and the addition of intricate, period-authentic molding she created by hand. Her early love of modern art took a turn while restoring their home when she found an appreciation for antiques and an aspiration for old-world German Christmas decorations. From that spawned a Christmas business called Snickles and Kringle’s based out of her home, creating ornately detailed, old-fashioned Christmas figurines and yuletide characters for collectors and high-end gift shops across the country, all while raising her family. Her work and reputation were showcased in several national magazines, publications, and even on the White House tree.
Yvonne loved games of all sorts, spending hours teaching her family how to play competitive backyard games of Croquet, Badminton, or Horseshoes. She raised her family on cards and board games and looked forward to playing Rummy with her grandchildren, teaching them tricks and strategies while always taking down her opponent. Nine out of ten times, she came out as the winner! She was an avid sports fan, fully engaged in every moment of the Olympics for the two-week span they were hosted both summer and winter and of course passionately followed the Phillies and Eagles as if she were financially invested.

Her life's work was to stay true to who she was as both a creative artist and a mother. She actively encouraged both her children and grandchildren to use their creativity in all aspects of life, mentoring and supporting them along the way. She was a gourmet cook and relished the opportunity to host dinner parties for friends in her beloved home, especially during the Christmas Season. Her knack for adding drama to a story or old-time proverbs offered her experience and wisdom we will always hold dear. She and our father often expressed how grateful and blessed they were to have built the life and relationships that surrounded them. She deeply cherished time with family and friends, and seeing her grandchildren so often kept her heart full and her card game strong. Mom, you were an “ACE” in the deck of Life! If you could strike gold or pick up your hand for parents, we would all pick you both again in the game of Life! Thank you for picking us! We love you, Mom!

The family will privately hold services for Yvonne. In place of flowers, charitable donations in Yvonne’s name may be made to The Haddonfield Historical Society, 343 King’s Highway East, Haddonfield, NJ 08033. (https://haddonfieldhistory.org/support/donations/)

10/01/2025

Mary Kelley Stewart�
Age: 86 Haddonfield, NJ

Mary Kelley Stewart passed away on September 29, 2025. Mary was a longtime Haddonfield resident who was born in Margate, NJ, to Maurice and Gertrude Kelley.

Mary went on to graduate from Cabrini College. Shortly thereafter, she met her beloved husband, the late Sloan G. Stewart, also of Margate, NJ.

Mary was the devoted mother of Michael, Douglas (Lindsay) and the late Sharon E. Stewart; Cherished grandmother of Devon, Ryan, Sullivan, Griffin, and Macklin; Dear sister of the late John (Ellen) Kelley.

Mary was an active member of Christ the King Catholic Church, serving as Eucharistic minister, both at mass and home visits, and a dedicated member of her community; belonging to garden club, bridge group, a member of Tavistock, the Fortnightly, and her proud passion, Interfaith Caregivers.

We will remember Mary for her unwavering care, warmth, and support for everyone’s lives she touched.

Mrs. Stewart’s family will receive friends on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, 9:30-10:45 AM at Christ the King R.C. Church, 200 Windsor Ave, Haddonfield, NJ (https://www.google.com/maps/search/200+Windsor+Ave,+Haddonfield,+NJ?entry=gmail&source=g): where her Funeral Mass will follow at 11am. Interment, Calvary Cem., Cherry Hill, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s name may be made to Christ the King R.C. Church at the above address. ( https://ctkhaddonfield.org/ )

09/27/2025

Jane L. Pisarcik
Age: 70 of Cherry Hill

(nee Wolf) Passed away on September 25, 2025; Jane was the beloved wife of Andrew Pisarcik; cherished daughter of the late Edna & Robert Wolf and dear sister of the late Judy Wolf.

Friends & relatives are invited to Jane’s Graveside Service on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 11 AM at Colestown Cemetery, 100 Kings Hwy N, Cherry Hill Township, NJ 08034.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in honor of Jane’s love of birdwatching may be made to the World Wildlife Fund (https://www.worldwildlife.org/) or the Woodford Reserve in Medford (https://www.cedarrun.org/get-involved/give/).

09/23/2025

Madeline A. Lodge
Age 82 of Haddonfield, NJ

(nee Emerson) On Sept. 18, 2025, beloved wife of Francis “Frank” Lodge; loving mother of Ann Allen (Jeffrey), Eileen Revier (Matthew) and Ellen Lodge; cherished grandmother of Parker, Emerson & Granger Revier and Ezra Allen; dear sister of Kate Emerson & Bill Emerson and treasured aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Madeline graduated from Saint Mary of the Angels Academy (Haddonfield, NJ), and attended Brenau College (Gainesville, GA) and the Evening Division of Temple University.

She worked as a stenographer and in sales and clerical positions for John Wanamaker (Philadelphia), Cunard Lines (Philadelphia), Bailey, Banks, and Biddle (Moorestown), Lockheed Martin (Mount Laurel), and GE Capital (Cherry Hill).

Madeline was a member of the Collingswood Junior Women’s Club. She prepared sandwiches for the needy at Christ the King Church and distributed lunches at the Cathedral Pantry in Camden. She was always willing to help.

Madeline’s hobbies included sewing, gardening, and crafts. She especially enjoyed participating in a local quilting group and playing pinochle in a neighborhood card group.

Family was always Madeline's greatest joy. Madeline enjoyed visiting her sister in Cape May, her brother in Florida, and sharing beach homes for twenty years with the growing families of Frank's two sisters. She hosted large holiday dinners and welcomed her daughters every Thursday evening for "happy hours".

Friends and relatives are invited to Madeline’s Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, October 3 at 11 AM, at Christ the King RC Church, 200 Windsor Ave., Haddonfield, NJ and a Celebration of Life at Tavistock Country Club, 100 Tavistock Lane, Haddonfield, NJ following the Mass. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution in honor of Madeline may be made to the Food Bank of South Jersey, 1501 John Tipton Blvd., Pennsauken, NJ 08110 (www.foodbanksj.org/).

09/22/2025

Leslie C. Lyon, III
Age: 83 of Magnolia

Passed away on September 17, 2025. Leslie was the devoted husband of Laura (nee Martin); cherished father of Kelly (Robert) Motter and the late Cameron Lyon; adoring grandfather of Michael, Ethan, Katie and Sarah Lyon; Jason and Avery Rogers; dear brother of the late Deborah Comer.

He will be greatly missed by his loyal companions Shelly, his lemon beagle chosen specifically after the one his father had when he was a child, and Charlie, his wife’s quirky cocker spaniel.

Leslie proudly served in the United States Coast Guard from 1959-1962. He was a member of Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Local 252. His hobbies over the years included boating and antique cars. Most recently, he spent many months restoring the exterior of the family home with his grandson, Michael Lyon.

Services for Leslie will be held privately by the family. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Leslie’s name may be made to a charity of your choice.

09/14/2025

Dr. Mark A. Bolinger
Age 65 of Haddonfield, NJ

On Sept. 12, 2025; beloved father of Molly Bolinger and Alex Bolinger; dear former husband of Kitty Bolinger (Geoff Snelling); loving brother of James A. Bolinger (Jill) & Kent D. Bolinger (Laura); and treasured uncle of Samantha & Kristen Bolinger.

Mark graduated from Haddonfield Memorial High School in 1978, and from Lycoming College in 1982 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. From there he traveled to Chicago, where he earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 1986 from the National College of Chiropractic. Dr. Bolinger became licensed to practice chiropractic in Pennsylvania in 1987 and in New Jersey in 1988. In 1989, Dr. Bolinger opened Bolinger Chiropractic in his hometown of Haddonfield. In 2016, Dr. Bolinger opened Burlington Spine & Rehab in Willingboro.

Dr. Bolinger was a board member of the Haddonfield Ambulance Association. He is a former member and past president of the Haddonfield Environmental Commission and former vestry member of Grace Episcopal Church in Haddonfield. Mark enjoyed house projects, hiking, kayaking, cooking, and working out. He had a love of all animals, especially dogs, and loved spending time with his granddog, Frankie.

Dr. Bolinger’s family & friends are invited to his Memorial Service, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 at 11 AM, at Grace Episcopal Church, 19 Kings Hwy. East, Haddonfield, NJ 08033; Following the Service, all are welcome to greet the family. Interment, private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Welfare Assoc., 509 Centennial Blvd, Voorhees, NJ 08043 (www.awanj.org) or the Haddonfield Ambulance Association (www.haddonfieldambulance.org).

***Dr. Bolinger's Service will be live-streamed: https://www.facebook.com/gracehaddonfield.org/

09/12/2025

Captain Richard B. Hall II, MD, USN (Ret.) of Norfolk, Virginia, passed away on 2 June 2025. He was 80 years old.

Born in Washington, D.C., “R.B.” grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, and attended Central High School. His academic excellence earned him a congressional appointment to the United States Naval Academy, where he studied physics and graduated as a valued member of the 5th Company with the Class of 1967. A cherished highlight during his time at Annapolis was meeting the former Jane Faye James on a blind date during June Week; they married in April of 1968.

Upon graduation, R.B. was commissioned as an Engineering Duty Officer with the U.S. Navy. His sea duty aboard the USS Belknap included two tours in Vietnam; many, many letters to his beloved Jane were written floating off the Gulf of Tonkin. Following his service in Vietnam, R.B. chose a surprise career path: He enrolled at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville, Virginia, graduating in 1976.

In 1977, R.B. returned to active duty in the Navy to complete his Family Practice residency. He went on to serve as a family and emergency physician at various Naval bases, including Patuxent River, Maryland; Naples, Italy; Newport, Rhode Island; and Norfolk, Virginia. Administrative roles during this time included positions as Department Head for Family Practice, Director of Emergency Services, and Director of Medical Services.

In the 1990s, R.B.’s career turned to leadership: He served as Executive Officer at the new U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella (Sicily, Italy), and Commanding Officer of Naval Hospital Groton (CT). In 1997, R.B. was selected as Fleet Surgeon for the U.S. Sixth Fleet (the Mediterranean and Black Sea Fleet) with a high operational tempo relating to the Kosovo Campaign, and numerous regional conflicts.

In 2000, he was selected as Command Surgeon for the U.S. European Command, with responsibility for all U.S. military operations in Europe, most of Africa, and portions of the Middle East. His command responsibilities included oversight over more than 10,000 medical personnel, 12 major hospitals, 90 clinics, and 500,000 covered lives.

In his roles as Fleet Surgeon and Command Surgeon, R.B. found enormous satisfaction in his international humanitarian work and coordinating life saving responses to an ever-changing array of international medical crises. Those included the U.S. response in Africa to Ebola and Malaria outbreaks and the AIDS pandemic; Operation Enduring Freedom for the Afghanistan campaign; the USS COLE bombing; the Turkish earthquake of 2000; and U.S. humanitarian relief camps in Albania, Macedonia, and Kosovo following the Kosovo Campaign in 1999.

R.B. rounded out his career in clinical medicine as a physician at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia, and as Supervisor of Occupational Health at Naval Station Norfolk. Following his retirement, R.B. split his time – along with his lifelong partner in adventure, Jane – between homes in Norfolk, Virginia, and Venice, Italy.

R.B. is survived by his loving wife, Jane; his daughters, Jessica, Amanda, and Alexandra; and his grandchildren, Abigail, Oscar, Julia, Griffin, and Vivian.

Captain Hall will be buried with full honors at Arlington National Cemetery on October 24th at 11 a.m. Attendees must arrive at the cemetery via Memorial Avenue at 10:15 a.m. For more information about attending a service, including required forms of identification, please visit https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Funerals/Attending-a-Funeral. All vehicle drivers will need a REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license.

For those unable to attend the event, a live-stream will be available at https://my.anc.media/4nu4NrJ.

Memorial donations may be made to the Sierra Club, Friends of the Southern Poverty Law Center, and the ACLU.

08/29/2025

Marizita T. Seher
Age 84 of Haddonfield, NJ

On August 26th, 2025, Marizita nee Hall, known by most as Zita, passed away peacefully leaving life here on earth to join her late husband of 60 years, Robert Russell Seher (Bob), and her beloved parents the late William James Hall Jr. & Marizita McKeon Hall, in heaven. Zita was the loving mother of Jennifer Louise Seher (Mark Gempler) of Keene, NH and Julie Seher (Robert) Bickel of Haddonfield, NJ; beloved Nana of Caroline McKeon Bickel, Maya Grace Gempler, Madeline Seher Bickel, Georgia Seher Gempler & Brynn Hall Bickel; cherished sister of John (Diane) Hall; dear sister-in-law of Hélène Harrington Hall, and Chris (Alrene) Seher. In addition to her husband and her parents, Zita was predeceased by her brother William J. Hall III and his wife Mary Gummere Hall; as well as by her brothers-in-law and their wives, Frederick (Joan) Seher, William (Kathy) Seher & Richard (Ella May) Seher. Zita is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and her dog, Milo.

Zita was born and raised in Moorestown, NJ where she fondly remembered playing in fields and climbing trees with her brothers and neighborhood friends behind the house that her father built. Zita attended the Convent of the Sacred Heart Boarding School in Philadelphia and attended Newton College of the Sacred Heart (now part of Boston College). She then went to work at RCA in Camden where she met her future husband. She and Bob married and raised their family, including many well-loved family dogs, pet rabbits, parakeets, and the periodic turtle, in Haddonfield. Zita enjoyed planning special trips, outings and birthday parties as well as adding special touches to occasions by wrapping presents so they looked just as beautiful unopened as they did open, making special birthday cakes for her daughters when they were young, and supporting her daughters’ interests in music, horses, and more.

Zita and Bob spent many weekends at the beach with extended family as their girls were growing up, and continued the tradition of spending time at the beach with their daughters and granddaughters for a week every summer as their granddaughters were growing up. Once her daughters were grown, Zita completed her education by completing a Bachelor's degree at Rutgers University, then pursuing a Master's in Education from University of Pennsylvania and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) from LaSalle University. Zita worked as a neuropsychologist treating and supporting adults with acquired brain injury and their families for many years at Marlton Rehabilitation Hospital in Marlton, NJ, before setting up a private practice also in Marlton.

Zita loved to travel with her family & close friends, exploring many other countries and cultures, including China, Japan, Uzbekistan, Ireland, Germany, England, Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, as well as going on safari in Africa and visiting the pyramids in Egypt. Zita was a longtime supporter of the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Haddonfield Historical Society. She loved caring for and preserving her historic Haddonfield home, Daniel Fortnier's house built in 1820. She also loved gardening and exploring the history of her family.

Zita's family wishes to thank Allegria at the Fountains, Atco, NJ, for caring for Zita in the early stages of her illness and supporting her through the loss of her husband. The family also wishes to thank American House Senior Living in Keene, NH, for providing the dignity, respect, care and sense of independence that Zita so much wanted over the last year; as well as the Parish of the Holy Spirit in Keene, NH, for providing a spiritual home during this time. Additionally, the family thanks Summerhill Assisted Living in Peterborough, NH, and Compassus Hospice for providing a beautiful home, and loving and caring staff during the last two months.

Zita's family will receive family & friends on Friday, September 5, from 10-10:45 AM, at Christ the King RC Church, 200 Windsor Ave., Haddonfield, NJ. Her Funeral Mass will follow at 11 AM and will be directly followed by Interment at Locustwood Memorial Park, Cherry Hill, NJ. Contributions in Zita's honor may be made in her name to The Penn Memory Center at University of Pennsylvania (https://pennmemorycenter.org/gifts), Voorhees Animal Orphanage (www.vaonj.org), or The Philadelphia Orchestra
(https://philorch.ensembleartsphilly.org/support-the-philadelphia-orchestra/donate).

08/26/2025

Robert L. Wells
Age 92 of the Masonic Home in Burlington, NJ

On August 24, 2025; formerly a longtime Haddonfield Resident and previously of Merchantville; Loving husband of the late Ann (nee Hohenstein).

Bob was an active member of both the First Presbyterian Church of Haddonfield and the Mason Rising Sun Lodge #15. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 38 and the 65 Club. Ann and Bob shared a wonderful life together and were happily married for 59 years.

Friends and relatives are invited to a visitation on Thursday , Stept. 4th, 9:30-10 AM at First Presbyterian Church of Haddonfield, 20 Kings Hwy E, Haddonfield, NJ; where his Funeral Service will follow at 10 AM and conclude with a Masonic Service. Interment at Bates Mill Cemetery, Winslow Twp., NJ at 11:30 AM.

08/26/2025

JoAnn Theresa Beckson
April 17, 1949 – August 15, 2025
JoAnn (JoAnna, Jody, Jo, JoAnnie) Theresa Beckson peacefully passed away on Friday, August 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. As the last of her immediate family, she joins her parents Joseph Beckson and Edna Williams Beckson, her siblings, Barbara Mertsock, Maureen Harman, and Joseph Beckson, Jr., and her beloved Shih Tzus Jake and Leo. Nieces and nephews who will forever miss her include Pam Mertsock-Wolfe (Chris, Zoe), Micheal Mertsock (Diane), Timothy Mertsock (Shannon, Ashley, Tyler), Michelle Harman McDonald (John, Emerson, Olivia), and Jim Harman (Kelli, Paige, Avery).
Born in Southwest Philadelphia in 1949, JoAnn was the youngest of three girls and the older sister to one brother. A graduate of West Philadelphia Catholic Girls High School and Temple University, her first career was in the classroom as a high school history teacher. The classroom held her only briefly as the theater called to her, and she moved first to Boston then to New York City in the 1970’s. She worked extensively as an actress and director both Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway in such theaters as The Ensemble Studio Theater, Intar II, The Working Theater and Woman’s Interart. She was also a founding member of New York City’s prestigious Circle Repertory Company’s LAB. She once told a dear friend that “she was “acting” even in childhood, putting on plays for her family, making her siblings round out her cast or holding them captive as the audience, willingly or not.”
Her love of acting was shaped by the acclaimed Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City where she learned the Meisner acting technique that inspired her entire career. While continuing to act, she turned her talents to coaching, directing, and producing. She offered classes, private coaching sessions, and was an Adjunct Professor at New York University’s School of Professional Studies, as well as the Graduate Film Department at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. She also led workshops at the School of Visual Arts, and the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. “JoAnn championed actors in their careers and celebrated their success and talent as much as she pursued her own career as an actress,” shared a former student and friend.
JoAnn loved the theater, but especially comedy, and focused her energy on coaching comics who sought her out, many of whom have become household names. “Say Something Funny”, an original dramedy she conceived, directed and co-produced at the Criterion Center-Broadway, was optioned for sitcom development.
JoAnn loved living in New York City, especially in the West Village, and shared her New York and her adventurous spirit with her family during the fifty years of her residence there. In 2020, JoAnn moved to New Jersey to be with her siblings, cherishing the little time they had left together.
She was a tremendous influence on her nieces and nephews, impressing upon them the importance of education, travel, how to set a table, how to put on mascara, how-to and how-not-to dress, and a love of good food and “a nice merlot”!
Her family honors her best by sharing the words of her many devoted friends and students:

* She is now with the angels and at peace.

* JoAnna left a memorable imprint on all who knew her – she made everyone she met feel like the most important person in the world. She always left people with more than she took. She lived her life with generosity and compassion, with gratitude; she was funny and supportive; she had an insatiable curiosity about people and the world she shared with them…. This incredibly witty, warm, and hugely talented woman leaves behind a legacy of inspiration, joy and laughter. What wonderful gifts to leave to this world. Please keep JoAnna in your hearts and think of her when you're enjoying a particularly good glass of wine or scratching a dog under its chin. And now that she has “shuffled off this mortal coil,” she’s probably already busy coaching heaven’s angels, “More humor. You gotta leave them laughing.” And, so our beloved JoAnna, you leave us laughing…and, oh, so very loved.

* JoAnna was one of the most influential people in my life. She was my teacher, my mentor, my friend. She house-sat my cat and dog kids, she had me come to class for free when I couldn't afford it. She was a most remarkable and giving soul. She was pure love. She made this world a better place and I will miss her so.

* She was a remarkable woman whose mere presence was always bright, beautiful and positive!

* I absolutely love her s***k and sense of humor.

* JoAnna was full of life and energy, and she transferred that positive energy onto me whenever we were together. She was so generous and kind. She had a great sense of humor. She also loved people, especially little ones - wherever we went, she never missed a chance to coo over a little one. But truly the best thing about Joanna is that she valued friendship and she was such a good friend to me. I will never forget Joanna and will keep her in my heart forever.

* JoAnna Beckson has touched the lives of countless students, actors, and artists over the years. As a gifted acting teacher and coach, she poured her heart into nurturing talent, inspiring creativity, and offering guidance to generations of performers who found both their voices and their confidence under her care. Her impact in the artistic community is immeasurable, and her legacy lives on in every stage, screen, and soul she helped shape.

* For almost 50 years she was my first call. Whenever anything happened – good, bad, weird, painful or hilarious – she was the first person I had to call and ask her thoughts. I will miss her forever. But I am grateful she made e her exit on her own terms, surrounded by love and light and a fiercely devoted family.

* In 50 years of friendship, there are too many memories. They are with me to eternity, my lovely one. Well, of course, “You are never too busy to make coffee.” I will never be too busy to hold you in my heart, my best friend, my favorite, my dear darling JoAnnie.

* You are a unique and loving force of nature who has given me an incomparable gift – our sometimes zany, hugely life-affirming, passionate 50-year friendship. “Never sit on your instincts” and “Always go for the love” are two fertile mantras you instilled in me on our eternal quest to grab life with both hands.

* Jody and I had a crush on each other that developed into a 44-year friendship/soul sister lifetime bond…We leaned on and supported each other through every phase of our friendship… When I was with her last week she asked me what my favorite song was? I said “God Only Knows” by Brian Wilson. So, we asked Alexa to play that. However, Carol King’s version of “You’ve Got a Friend” came on instead. I sat in her wheelchair in her room, in the dark, and sang that song to her and to me also. I kissed her and said, “see you later” and slipped out the door as she slept.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We will all join her one day in the eternal sleep, and we thank you profoundly for your immeasurable support, friendship, and love of our Aunt JoAnn.

As she often wished all of us, we wish you “Love and Light”!

Family celebrated JoAnn in a private gathering. A memorial celebration will be held in NYC this fall. Details to be shared on social media.

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