Joan Oplinger

Joan Oplinger, beloved mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother departed this life on February 25, 2025, at 80 years old. She left this world in complete peace, surrounded by her loved ones and embraced by their love.
Joan was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey to the late Samuel and Rose Caruso. She resided in Elizabeth with her mother, father, and loving sister, Dee, for many years. Joan brought life to her only child, William Oplinger, in July of 1968 where they continued to reside in Rahway. Joan went on to live with her sister Dee and brother-in-law Richard in Rahway, New Jersey. Joan finally lived with her son, daughter-in-law Emily, and five grandchildren in Marlboro, New Jersey for 13 years and the remainder of her life. Joan was the grandmother of Kaleigh, Kamryn, Madison, Billy, and Camryn. Joan, affectionately known as Mammom, helped care and raise her grandchildren as she watched them grow up.
Joan retired in 2010 after spending 40 years as Director of Patient Accounts at Elizabeth General Hospital (1972-2000) and Financial Advisor at Trinitas Regional Medical Center (2000-2010). She was in charge of patient and doctor billing. She worked closely with the doctors, nurses, and staff within the hospital and shared so many memories with these people.
Joan enjoyed reading a James Patterson book, chatting with her loved ones, cooking meatballs, baking Italian knot cookies, Dunkin coffee, the casino, and Marlboro 100 red cigarettes. She is survived by her son William and his wife Emily, her five grandchildren, her sister Dee and her husband Richard, and her beloved nieces and nephews.
Words cannot fully describe the love and sacrifice Joan has shown to everyone she has met her entire life. Better known as Mammom, she embraced and cared for everyone who crossed her path. She was the most selfless, kind, gracious, generous, and extroverted woman. Mammom will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her and cared for her throughout her life.
A viewing will take place on Monday, March 3, 2025, between 4:00 and 8:00 pm at the Lehrer Gibilisco Funeral Home located at 275 West Milton Avenue in Rahway, NJ. Funeral Services will begin at 10:00 am on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Rosedale Cemetery, 355 East Linden Avenue in Linden, NJ.