JOAN C. MONARQUE

MEMORIAL DONATIONS MAY BE MADE IN JOAN'S NAME TO A CHARITY OF YOUR CHOICE VISITATION: THURSDAY: APRIL 17, 2025 3PM TO 7PM STICKLE-SOLTESZ FUNERAL HOME PRAYER SERVICE: FRIDAY: APRIL 18, 2025 11AM STICKLE-SOLTESZ FUNERAL HOME INTERMENT: FRIDAY: APRIL 18, 2025 FOLLOWING PRAYER SERVICE LAUREL GROVE CEMETERY 295 TOTOWA ROAD TOTOWA, NJ Joan C. Monarque, 92 years, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Friday, April 11, 2025. She was born on August 12, 1932 in Paterson, NJ to the late Jane Flitcroft and the late Cornelius DuPree. She was predeceased by her beloved husband George in 2013 and her dear brothers Donald and James DuPree. Joan is survived by her devoted children: Cynthia Lapallo and her husband David, Kenneth Monarque and his wife Julia, Nancy DeMaio and her husband Dennis, George Monarque and his wife Donna, and Linda LaVerme and her husband James; her eleven cherished grandchildren; her thirteen adored great grandchildren; and one soon-to-be-born, great great grandchild; as well as her dear brother William DuPree. In 1950, Joan met the love her life on a blind date at a local soda shop in Paterson, NJ. Their love story developed over the next several years while George was serving as a Sargeant in the U.S. Army, during the Korean War. She kept herself busy working at Citizen’s Trust Company in Paterson during this time. After George’s discharge in January 1953, they quickly got engaged and were married in November 1953, beginning their family the following year. A few years later, moving to Waldwick, NJ and eventually residing in Pompton Lakes in 1962, living there for 33 years. As a young mother, she was a stay-at-home mom, who worked part time at the Sewing Nook in Pompton Lakes and when time allowed, she took pride in crocheting, knitting and sewing beautiful clothes for her daughters. Joan was the heart of her home and family. She raised five children in a happy and warm home. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family and fostering a loving environment. Her homemade meatloaf and formulated dinners were legendary in her household and her holiday gatherings were eagerly anticipated by family. She was truly the heart and soul of her family, and she will be dearly missed. After Joan’s retirement as a Bank Platform Manager from First Fidelity Bancorporation in 1992, she and her husband enjoyed the next few years spending a lot of time with their grandchildren. They ultimately moved to Leisure Village in Lakewood, NJ in 1996 to fully enjoy their retirement. She and George traveled many road trips, cruises and visits to Europe. She enjoyed playing in the golf league in Leisure Village and yearly summers were spent with her children and grandchildren visiting to go to the Jersey Shore beach and boardwalk. After George passed in 2013, Joan relocated to northern NJ to be closer to her children where she spent most of her time with them, her grandchildren and great grandchildren. The last few years, she resided at Victoria Mews in Boonton, NJ where she kept busy and made many friends. Joan’s family will find comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on through the lessons she taught them, the love she shared, and the memories they will cherish forever. The family will receive visitors on Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 3pm to 7pm at the Stickle-Soltesz Funeral Home, 187 La Rue Road, Newfoundland, NJ 07435 The prayer service will take place on Friday, April 18, 2025 at 11am at the funeral home, followed by the interment at Laurel Grove Cemetery in Totowa, NJ. Memorial donations may be made in Joan’s name to a charity of your choice. Online condolences and directions: www.sticklesolteszfuneralhome.com.

JOAN C. MONARQUE

August 12, 1932 - April 11, 2025