Joan Patricia Heaton

Joan P. Heaton passed peacefully at age 97 in Dover, NJ on January 9, 2024.

Born in Ely, Cambridge, England, to the late William Lavender and Phyllis N. Lavender on May 2, 1926. Joan came to America and settled in Dover, NJ in the 1950's. She worked as a bank teller at Dover Trust when she met and married Kenneth A. Heaton. Later, she worked for and retired from Warner Lambert in Morris Plains, NJ.

Joan was an elegant woman who was always impeccably dressed, with her trademark scarf and beautiful jewelry. She took much pride in presenting herself as an elegant British woman and never lost her accent despite being in America for over 60 years.

Joan acted as the "Sunshine Lady" at Sacred Heart Church in Dover, NJ for many years. She enjoyed spreading sunshine and humor to her fellow members. Joan was also an active parent and grandparent at the Delbarton School where both her sons and grandsons attended.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many.

Predeceased by her two brothers, Michael (Micky) Lavender of Horsham, England, and Anthony (Tony) Lavender of Lake Worth, FL as well as her husband Kenneth of Dover in 2020.

She is survived by her son Kenneth of Hopatcong and his wife Cindy, her son Anthony and wife Joanna of Essex Fells, and her grandchildren Anthony (wife Jacqueline Fox) and Alexander of New York City.

Arrangements will be private.