Joan Ziegler

Joan Ziegler (née Szaro), of Neptune, passed away on December 14, 2022, at age 88 after a brief illness. Joan was born in Bayonne on November 18, 1934 to Stanley and Mary Szaro, who had immigrated from Poland. She tragically lost her father when she was only eight. Raised in Middlesex, she was a high school cheerleader who graduated from Bound Brook High School in 1952. She married the love of her life, Edward Ziegler, on April 22, 1956, and raised four daughters in their 66 years of marriage. She first worked as a secretary before getting married and staying home to raise her family. After her children were of school age, she began her career as a travel agent and worked for more than 30 years before she retired. This sparked a love of travel that she pursued throughout her life, especially enjoying cruises and other trips to tropical islands with her husband, family, and friends. Joan and Ed were founding parishioners of Holy Innocents Church; faith and family were the touchstones of her life. She was at her happiest spending time with her children and their families, whether hosting holiday celebrations, attending her grandchildren's sporting events and milestones, or enjoying family dinners. Her delicious meatballs were legendary, as were her mashed potatoes and gravy, which – sadly – her daughters have never been able to replicate. Her memory was also legendary, especially when it came to people and how they were connected to her. Whether she knew you decades ago when you were in her bowling league or her daughter's girl scout troop, years ago when you were a travel client or a friend of one of her daughters, or weeks ago when you were working in one of her doctors' offices, rest assured Joan remembered you, and made sure to tell her family if she ran into you somewhere or read your name in the newspaper. Joan was also an excellent seamstress, a skill she was taught by her mother. From matching Easter dresses when her daughters were young, to formal gowns when they were older, many beautiful outfits were lovingly made by her talented hands.
Joan was predeceased by her brother, Ted Szaro; her sisters, Charlotte Strokus and Rita Milesnick; and her son-in-law, Roger Peterson. She is survived by her loving husband, Ed; her daughters Donna Peterson of Brick; Nancy Rose (Richard) of Neptune; Gail Pietrafesa (Mark) of Delmar, NY; and Linda DeTitta (Tom) of Florham Park; brother Ed Szaro; special sister- and brother-in-law Pat and Jr. Romano; grandchildren Kristi Shalton, Lauren Hymel (Jon), Jeff Peterson (Macarena), Hannah Rose Dall (Chris), Mia Rose, David Pietrafesa (Aly), Jon Pietrafesa (Erica), Emily Marsh (Chris), and Thomas and Christopher DeTitta; along with 16 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, consider donating in her memory to a charity that is meaningful to you.