Photo courtesy of Rossi Funeral Home - Scotch Plains
Scotch Plains, New Jersey
Joan VanNatta ( nee Tighe ) 87 of Garwood died on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at Overlook Hospital in Summit. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday February 24,2025, 11:30 am at St. Bartholomew the Apostle Church 2032 Westfield Avenue, Scotch Plains. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield. Visitation will be on Sunday, February 23 from 3pm to 5 pm at the Rossi Funeral Home 1937 Westfield Avenue Scotch Plains NJ.
Joan was born in Summit, NJ, was raised in Millburn, married her husband in 1960, and settled to Garwood. She was a 1955 graduate of Millburn High School, followed by graduating from the St Michaels School of Nursing. Joan was a member of the Garwood Women’s Club, Ladies Auxiliary of Garwood Fire Department and assisted in the Garwood Board of Health as a member and past president. Joan worked as a Nurse for many years in many different capacities. She was a RN with Overlook Hospital in the OR, she was a school nurse at St Anne's in Garwood, St. Johns in Clark, Holy Spirit in Union, and St Michael's in Union, she also worked as a corporate nurse for NJ Bell.
Joan enjoyed spending time with family & friends, be it cruises or camping but especially trips to the beach. She especially enjoyed trips to the Amish Market and Farm stands for fresh NJ produce.
Joan is predeceased by her parents Lois & Matthew and her sister Margaret. Joan is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years, Rodney; loving sons Dennis and wife Kathleen, and Jeffrey; caring granddaughters, Mary and husband Matt and Bridget; and cherished Great Grandson James.
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Jeffrey
So sorry to hear about your mother's passing. I know you loved her dearly and will miss her very much.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Annemarie Mueller
February 28, 2025 | Somerset, NJ | Friend
Dear Ron Jeffrey, and Denis,
I am so sorry to hear about Aunt Joan’s passing. I remember fondly and cherish our family gatherings and events - Aunt Joan could always be counted on for a kind word. Please accept my condolences and hope for you all to cherish and live every day with her memory.
With love,
Bob whirty
Bob Whirty
February 26, 2025 | Andover, MA | Family
Sorry to hear about Mrs. Van Natta's passing. Even though I didn't know her I know her son Jeff from the Garwood Knights of Columbus and he always talked about her and had mentioned that she was sick for a while and has been in my prayers. May the Lord heal Joan and the Van Natta family at this difficult time Patrick Virgili.
Patrick Virgili
February 23, 2025 | Cranford, NJ | Friend
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
I was the principal at Holy Spirit during the years Joan was there. I will always remember the many chats we had about life and the importance of family.
Barbara Prescott
February 22, 2025 | Middletown, MD | Friend
Joanie we both had a happy time growing up and playing on Blaine st,with the Blaine st. bombers and trying to hit the ball. love you rest in peace.
peggy maher christensen
February 21, 2025 | Cornwall, NY | Friend
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Joan Toth
February 21, 2025 | Garwood, NJ | Friend
my sympanthy goes out to the Van natta family. A icon of Garwood that will be missed by everyone who knew her
Scott Koenig
February 21, 2025 | Garwood, NJ | Friend