Joan Ference

In Loving Memory

Joan M. Ference

August 6, 1942 - March 13, 2023

Joan M. Ference ( nee  Hayducka) 80, of Kinnelon passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, March 13, 2023. She is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, John, as well as her daughter Lisa Ference-Hammond and her husband John Hammond, her grandchildren John and Jillian, and her daughter-in-law Heather Rothschild. She also leaves behind her sweet Yorkie, Molly. She was predeceased by her son David just over three months ago, as well as her son John who left us only four days before her.

After spending her early years in the Ironbound section of Newark, she and her husband settled in Kearny where they raised their three children.

Joanie graduated from the Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School in Montclair. She began working as an executive secretary for the president of L&R Manufacturing in Kearny where she remained until she retired.

“Ninnie” and Papa had weekly overnight visits from John and Jillian, lovingly caring for them so that daycare was never needed. The kids would always talk about how good Ninnie’s cooking was, and no one else could compare. The whole family agreed. Thanksgiving stuffing will never be the same without her. Joanie enjoyed traveling, and went on many trips to the Caribbean with her husband John. The beach was one of her happy places, and she had visited Grand Cayman, St. Thomas, St. Martin, St. Lucia, Antigua and Acapulco to name just a few. They spent their 25th Anniversary in Hawaii with congratulations from Don Ho during his show. After her husband bought a timeshare in Aruba, they spent two weeks there every year with their daughter and her family, creating a lifetime of memories of salty kisses and sandy toes. She also enjoyed numerous Orlando trips with her grandchildren and her son Johnny over the years.

Joan was a beautiful soul and will be dearly missed.

One more day, one more time

One more sunset, maybe I’d be satisfied

But then again, I know what it would do

Leave me wishing still for one more day with you.

-Diamond Rio

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 17 from 3pm to 7pm at The Morrison Etheridge Funeral Home, 86 Bartholdi Ave. in Butler, NJ. A prayer service will be offered at 6pm also at the funeral home. All other services will be private.