Obituary of Joan M. Boylan

Joan Mary Boylan (née Burke), a longtime Madison resident, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, February 24, 2024 with her family by her side. She was 95.

Joan is survived by two sons, Kevin Edward Boylan and his wife Lori; and Edward Francis Boylan and his wife Julie; two daughters, Joan Edith Helfrich and her husband George; and Carol Anne Cochran and her husband Dan; fifteen grandchildren & seven great-grandchildren; and several extended family members.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 49 years, Edwin Thomas Boylan; one brother, John Burke; and one sister, Mabel Currivan.

Joan was born in Cheshire, England on January 1, 1929 to the late Herbert and Edith Burke. She was raised in Cheshire with her brother and sister during World War II and came to the United States in 1947. 

Joan married her beloved husband Edwin Thomas Boylan and the couple settled in Jersey City where they raised their family.In 1982, the family moved to Madison where they have lived since.

Joan was a wonderful mother and was tremendously proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family was everything to her and Joan had many dear, lifelong friends. She was well known for her Sunday family dinners which she hosted every week.

Joan had an extensive career as a legal secretary, serving both in the private sector and as Administrative Assistant to the Assignment Judge in Essex County. She served with distinction in the same capacity in the Appellate Division of the Superior Court. She worked tirelessly and was devoted to her work.

After retirement, Joan enjoyed volunteering at St. Vincent Martyr School and St. Thomas More Parish Office.

Joan was an avid traveler and enjoyed many trips throughout the United States, Europe, the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Bermuda with her husband Edwin and her sister Mabel. She was also talented at knitting, crafting many treasured items for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren such as sweaters and blankets.

Joan will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Joan will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. Those who are unable to attend in person may attend the Mass virtually by visiting www.svmnj.org and following instructions for live-stream Mass viewing.

Interment will follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made in Joan’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.