Joan Carol Heldreth

Heldreth, Joan Carol, - 87, of Mays Landing, died peacefully on February 2nd at AtlantiCare in Galloway. Born in Asbury Park, and raised in Oakhurst, she graduated from Asbury Park HS. She resided in Wanamassa, Ocean Grove and then Galloway before becoming a long-time resident of Mays Landing with her companion, Salbino Gadaletta, who preceded her in death. She was a Past Mother Advisor of Iris Assembly #31. Her love of Rainbow followed her throughout life as she lived and believed in the lessons taught in the stations of the Rainbow. As a result, she named her daughter Hope, after one of her favorite stations. She was a 50-year member and Past Matron of Wall Chapter #143, Order of Eastern Star. She loved talking to people and spent many years as a manager at Freedman's Bakery before joining the Marriott Travel Plazas as a clerk. When she retired, she became active in the Fairways Community where she lived. She was the Treasurer for the Hospitality Committee for the community. She loved to travel - her bags were always packed and her passport was always ready. The early years were spent camping, but as time passed it was all hotel stays. She loved to cruise. She sailed over 15 times with Sal. Their first cruise was to Alaska. She introduced her family to cruising and many trips were enjoyed together going to various islands in the Caribbean. Warm weather spots were her favorite place to go. They also traveled to the Mediterranean on a river cruise and to Hawaii. Life was an adventure she wanted to live. She was an amazing woman who loved her family. She was loving and kind. She will be remembered for her love of her family, as well as close friends. She loved to dance. From many years square dancing all across the country to ballroom dancing to swing/jazz dancing. Her most recent favorite was line dancing. She could be found every Monday line dancing at the clubhouse with her friends. Then in the summer you could find her at the pool, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the fellowship of her friends. She is predeceased by her parents; mother, Florence Carol; father, Harold; sisters, Edythe Viola and Elsie Marie, as well as her longtime companion, Salbino Gadaletta. Surviving are her daughter, Hope Heldreth Wissel and her husband Robert; her granddaughter, Belinda Joan and her wife Emily Price; Sal's sons, Vito and Lenny; his daughters, Susan F. Beaver and husband David; Sallie A. Dwyer and husband, Chris; grandchildren, Holly Wikfors, Jamie Gadaleta-Allan, Brian Gadaleta, Chris Wikfors, Matt Deloynes, Colin Dwyer and Lyndsey Beaver; and his three sisters, Theresa Sasso, Isabelle Farinola and Nicoleta Brateris, as well as countless friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at Boakes Funeral Home, 6050 Main Street, Mays Landing, NJ 08330. Eastern Star service will be held at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Shriners Hospital, Attn: Shriners Children, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394 would be appreciated.

Info and condolences: www.boakesfuneralhome.com.