Joan King

Marilyn Joan King, affectionately known as Joan, Gran, and Aunt Joan, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 17, 2024, at the young age of 96. A woman of elegance, intellect, and unwavering independence, Joan lived a life as rich in love as it was in sophistication. A proud graduate of Ramsey High School, she also attended the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising.

Joan had a lifelong love for travel, from cruising the seas to cherished days at the beach and the beach house. She loved warmth, sunshine, fashion, music, and connecting with others. Known for her determined spirit, impeccable style, and timeless grace, Joan truly was a princess at heart. She also had an appreciation for the finer things in life, savoring a perfectly crafted gin martini with just the right amount of ice, vermouth, and the perfect olive—always with a touch of class and sophistication. 

Joan absolutely adored her brother, Dennis, despite lovingly teasing him for his worrying. She shared an extraordinary family bond with Dennis and his wife, Romy Kievit, who were constants in her life and sources of boundless love and joy. Her cherished granddaughter, Heather, and her husband, Greg Norsby, brought her endless happiness and unconditional love. Joan’s granddaughter, Candace, and her husband, Douglas Bouldin, held a special place in her heart, often reminiscing and capturing moments in photos together.

Joan is also lovingly remembered by her nieces, Jaimie Cingari and her husband, David Cingari, and Bretta Bombac and her husband, Ray Bombac, as well as her nephew, Tim Kievit, and his wife, Kendra Kievit. All of them cherished her wisdom, humor, and unconditional love.

Her beloved great-grandchildren—James (Marybeth) Mariano, Tonya (Robert) Harding, Alyssa (Andrew) Kolden, Jeffrey Norsby, Piper Bouldin, and Kory Bouldin—brought her immense pride and joy. She was further blessed with six great-great-grandchildren, one of whom waits for her in heaven.

Joan's extended family and dear friends were equally touched by her kindness and generosity. Fond memories of triangle sandwiches, eggnog, fun times at the beach, plastic fruit, and the tiny carousel will live on in our hearts. Joan deeply valued staying connected with her family through heartfelt letters, impromptu get-togethers, luncheons, healthcare appointments, cocktails, calls, and thoughtful gifts. She always made time to reach out to friends by phone, ensuring no one felt far from her love.

In her final days, Joan remained as poised and spirited as ever, trading her stocks and keeping up with the news.

Joan will be laid to rest alongside her beloved parents, Grace and John Kievit, her companion, Edwin "Al" Jarret, and her daughters, Pamela “Pam” Bucci and Candace King, reuniting with them in eternal peace.

Joan, Gran, Aunt Joan— you will be deeply missed. We love you more than words can express. Your legacy of grace, strength, and boundless love will endure in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know you. As Joan would say please do not ‘puddle’ upon my death but celebrate my life with happiness. Rest in peace, our beloved, until we meet again. 

Thank you to Larson Funeral Home in Fennimore, Wisconsin, and Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home in Ramsey, New Jersey, have been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. Visitation will be held at Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home on January 4th, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM with burial to follow at Redeemer Cemetery in Mahwah, NJ. 

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