Joanne (DeGhetto) Carroll

Joanne Carroll lived her life with love, generosity, and a spark of spontaneity that made every day an adventure. She passed away at home in Waldwick, NJ, on September 22, 2025, at the age of 72, surrounded by her family.

Born in Philadelphia, Joanne spent her early years in Cleveland before moving with her family to Paramus, NJ, where she grew up. She later made her home in Ramsey, NJ, where she raised her family, built lasting friendships, and created traditions that will live on forever.

Helping children was her life’s work. Joanne earned her bachelor’s degree from Kean College before beginning her career as a pediatric Occupational Therapist. Years later, while working full time and raising her family, she returned to school to pursue her master’s degree at William Paterson University — a testament to her determination, her work ethic, and her love for her profession. She poured her heart into every child she worked with and was deeply proud of the difference she made in so many lives.

Family was at the center of Joanne’s world. She was the proud mother of Tommy and Michael, the welcoming mother-in-law of Rachael, and the deeply devoted grandmother of Rex. She also had a special place in her heart for her pets — Lola, Ruby, and Trouble — and for every animal that crossed her path. Known for keeping an animal “rescue kit” in her car, Joanne never hesitated to help, whether it was a bird, a squirrel, or a dog in need.

Joanne found joy in so many things, but the water was where she felt most at peace. She loved to swim, often saying it was the one thing that brought her calm and centered her spirit. She also had a love of travel, proud to have visited many places around the world and grateful to have passed that sense of adventure on to her sons. At home, she delighted in her garden, her books, and in hosting friends and family. Her Christmas Eve parties became legendary — a tradition she carried on for decades and joyfully passed down to her family.

Raised Catholic and educated in Catholic schools, Joanne’s faith was personal and ever evolving. What never wavered was her belief in kindness, gratitude, and the importance of family.

Memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025 from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM with a prayer service being conducted at 2:00 PM at Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home, 109 Darlington Ave, Ramsey, NJ.

In honor of her life, and in hopes of helping others facing the same disease, donations may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to support Merkel Cell Carcinoma research: https://www.dana-farber.org/research/donate.

Joanne’s memory will live on in the laughter of her family, the children she cared for, the animals she saved, and in every ripple of water where she once found her peace.

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