Joan Ens

Joan "Gram" Ens, 89, of Spotswood, New Jersey
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and wife, Joan Ens (née Dunsavage), who passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025, at the beautiful age of 89 in New Brunswick, NJ.
Born on October 8, 1935, in Tamaqua, PA, she moved to Irvington when she was 10 years old. After attending Irvington High School, she married Charles William Ens Jr. and started her family in 1953. She worked as a Cafeteria Manager at Piscataway Elementary Schools, became the Mailroom Clerk at Warner-Lambert Company, and after retiring, worked as a Sales Associate at JCPenney. She was a championship-winning softball coach and a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Spotswood.
Everyone who knew her loved her and she was known as "Gram" by everyone. She was a steadfast, well-known cheerleader for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren at sporting events and memorable life moments. In 2008, she was awarded the Spotswood High School Honorary Varsity Letter for her "Commitment and Dedication" to the Girls Soccer Athletic Program. She showed this level of love and commitment to each and every grandchild and was happiest spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She cherished making memories of going on adventures together, whether it was a trip to Disney, rafting on the Colorado River, or gambling in Atlantic City and Las Vegas.
She made the WORLD'S BEST potato salad loved by everyone in the family. All of the little ones loved Gram's "famous spaghetti." She was a big fan of lobster, wine, and oceanside restaurants. Gram was the absolute BEST shopper and shopping buddy to all with a special fondness for local dollar stores.
Gram truly enjoyed all the joys of life. She appreciated everything in her life from her family, home and garden, to fluffy white clouds in the sky, and beautiful sunsets. She will be deeply missed for her infectiously warm and happy demeanor. She always had a smile on her face and cherished her family above all. She was welcoming to everyone, even strangers, and could immediately put a grin on their faces.
She lived her life to the fullest - she made every moment brighter, warmer, and more fun. She lived a long, beautiful life that she loved, alongside her loving family.
Though she is gone, her love will forever remain in our hearts.
She is survived by her daughters Joan Perricone and husband Robert, of Montclair, NJ, Theresa Hager and husband John of Spotswood, NJ, and Susan Underwood of Sarasota, FL.
She was blessed with her grandchildren Jennifer Michalowski and husband Robert, Jacqueline LaFerriere and husband Jason, Rachel Marzella, and husband Ralph, Allison Perricone, Michael Hager and wife Jessica, Charles Ens IV and wife Michelle, Robert Perricone and wife Jaclyn, Alan Ens, Shannon Ens, David Underwood, Nicholas Underwood and wife Shivani, Kristen Hager, Kenneth Underwood, Rebecca Hager, Tyler Underwood, and Melanie Hager.
She was doubly blessed with her great-grandchildren Amber Michalowski, Alexis Michalowski, Jake LaFerriere, Hunter Michalowski, Owen LaFerriere, Evangeline Michalowski, Olivia LaFerriere, Charles Hager, Abigail Hager, Charles William Ens V, Roslyn Ens, Rosario Perricone, Roman Marzella, and Baby Boy Underwood on the way.
She is also survived by her daughters-in-law; Judy Collins, and Debbie Latzko.
She was preceded in death by her sister Eleanor (Dunsavage) Williams, her father Joseph Dunsavage, her mother Ann Ambrose, her husband, Charles William Ens Jr, her sons Alan Ens, and Charles William Ens III, and her brother Edward Dunsavage.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral mass on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 317 1st Street, Dunellen at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at St Joseph's Cemetery, Washington Twp.
Her viewing will be held Monday evening from 6 PM to 8 PM and Tuesday morning from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM at Sheenan Funeral Home, 233 Dunellen Ave., Dunellen.
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