Obituary of Joan Marie Beckert

June 22, 1934 – May 12, 2025

Joan Beckert, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 12, 2025, surrounded by the love of her cherished family. She was 90 years old.

Joan was born and raised in Queens, where she developed the values of faith, loyalty, and compassion that would define her entire life. A proud graduate of The Mary Louis Academy, Joan later pursued her calling to care for others, earning her nursing degree from St. Vincent’s School of Nursing. She began her professional life as a Registered Nurse at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York, dedicating herself to healing with both skill and heart.

It was during these early years that Joan met the love of her life, John F. Beckert. The two were married and began their life together of 70 years.  In 1966, they moved their young family to Warren, New Jersey, where they would raise their family of 6 kids and spend the next several decades building a home filled with love, laughter, and enduring faith.

Joan's most cherished role was that of a homemaker—a role she embraced wholeheartedly and with unmatched devotion. She poured her heart into raising her children, creating a nurturing home environment, and ensuring that her family always came first. After her children were grown, Joan joined Weichert Realty in Warren, where she worked for over 15 years, helping others find the homes where they, too, could build lasting memories.

Joan was a woman of deep Catholic faith, which she practiced throughout her life. She was a former parishioner of Our Lady of the Mount Roman Catholic Church in Warren and St. Mary's Stony-Hill Church in Watchung. In more recent years, she was a devoted member of Blessed Sacrament Church in Martinsville. Her spiritual life was a constant source of strength, and she remained active in the church community for as long as she was able.

Outside of her family and faith, Joan found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved playing tennis and bridge with friends.  Though she had many interests, Joan’s true joy came from her role as Mom & Grandmother.  She was deeply proud of her children, adored her grandchildren, and delighted in welcoming great-grandchildren into the world. Watching her family grow and thrive was her greatest reward.

Joan’s life was not without hardship. She endured the devastating loss of her beloved son, Robert J Beckert, in 2004. Yet, even in the face of such heartbreak, she remained the steadfast center of her family, offering strength, grace, and unconditional love to all who leaned on her.

Joan is survived by her devoted husband, John F. Beckert. Together, they shared a life marked by enduring love and partnership. She is also survived by her five loving children: John F. Beckert Jr. and his wife Chris, Kathleen Caola and her husband Drew,  Richard Beckert and his wife Nancy, Patricia Farrell and her husband Brian, and Nancy Stenersen and her husband Trey; as well as her daughter-in-law, Nancy Finn (Patrick Finn).

She leaves behind 15 beloved grandchildren: Michelle (Marek), Kelly (Vin), Jack (Paula), Lauren (Pete), Kaitlin (Dennis), Kristin (Nick), Brittanny (Stephen), Brian (Meredith), Kat (Cory), Andrew (Savannah), Robert, Megan (Chris), Tim (Joan), Mary, and Katherine.

Joan’s legacy also lives on through her 13 great-grandchildren: Atlas, Athena, Aurora, Grace, Dennis III, Rose, James, Cole, Will, Ryan, Aiden, Allie, and Eliza. She is also remembered fondly by many extended family members and close friends who admired her strength, warmth, and unwavering love.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Blessed Sacrament Church in Martinsville, NJ. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Stony Hill Cemetery in Watchung, where Joan will be laid to rest.

Joan will be remembered always as a woman who lived for her family, walked in faith, and gave of herself generously and unconditionally. Her memory will be forever treasured in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.