Obituary of Joan Leigh Roberts

Joan Leigh (nee Propheter) Roberts, a lifelong resident of Ridgefield Park.

Born 91 years ago to the late Frederick and Elisabeth (nee Lockwood) Propheter.  Beloved wife to the late Robert (2004).  Proud and Loving Mom to Betty, Barbara, the late Tommy (2014), Robyn, Dayle, Richard, Michael and Joyce.  Devoted Grammy to Erich, Jamie, Carl and Paula, Christine and Adam, great grandma to Taylor, Allison, Nicholas, Carlynn and Carter, and special grammy to Danielle, Steven, Enza, Joey and Matthew.  Cherished mother-in-law to Jeanine, Phil and Regina. Endeared sister to Virginia Haag and Helen Gaggero, and the late Fred Propheter and Mary Houlik.  She is also survived by many Nieces & Nephews. 

Our Mom’s life began 91 years ago, here in the Village of Ridgefield Park.  A place she called home for ALL her life.  A graduate of Washington Irving (Ridgefield Park) High School. Class of 1949.  She met our dad in 1948 and married him November 9, 1951. And together they raised their family of 8.  They were married for 54 years until his passing in 2004.  Family, especially children were very important to her.  Her volunteering began as soon as her first child went to school. She Joined the PTA and NEVER looked back. She belonged to every school’s PTA at one time or another in the Village. She continued that Association for 46 years and in 1990 was awarded PTA’s Highest Honor – ‘New Jersey State Congress of Lifetime Membership Award’.  She still continued her time to the PTA even when her children were no longer in the school system.  Our Mom also volunteered her time to other organizations including Girl Scouts (Troop Leader & town wide Cookie Chairman), Boy Scouts, Little League and St Mary’s Episcopal Church.  Then there’s her Love for the Village 4^th of July Baby & Youth Parade.  It began with her entering her children in the parade.  Starting in the 50’s through the 70’s.  It continued with her Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren.  In 1980, she stepped into the role of Parade Walker (Division 2) and did that for 29 years... Finally retiring 2008.  One of her Most FAMOUs roles was President of her beloved “J” Club.  She Always told us, you “Pay it Forward.”  It was Never just about her children, and all who came after hers. You pave the way for the next group, and she certainly did just that!!  Our Mom taught us Love, Respect, volunteer your time and to Help others.

So, Mom THANK YOU for being “Our Mom”

Until we meet again SAFELY HOME!! 

Visitation Thursday December 28, 2023 4-8pm.  The funeal service will be conducted on Friday December 29, 2023 at 10am.  Cremation at East Ridgelawn Crematory, Clifton.