Obituary of Joan D. Dennis

Joan D. Dennis, a longtime resident of Madison, died peacefully after a long illness surrounded by the love of her family on Tuesday, October 5, 2021. She was 82.

Joan was born in Newark on February 9, 1939 to the late Carmine and Anna DeTrolio. She was raised in Bellevile with her brother and two sisters, and she graduated high school from Mount St. Dominic Academy in Caldwell. After high school, Joan attended University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX.

Joan married her beloved husband, John “Jack” Dennis and the couple settled in Madison where they raised their family. She was an active member of the community and a longtime parishioner of St. Vincent Martyr Church.

Joan had a long career as a cardiovascular technician at Morristown Medical Center. She was a pioneer in the field, working at the cardiovascular lab at the hospital since its development for over thirty years prior to her retirement.

Joan was an incredible wife, mother, and grandmother. She was especially delighted to become a grandmother and great grandmother.

Joan was an incredible cook and always made sure her family was well-cared for. She loved the outdoors and gardening, and her children fondly remember week-long family camping trips with their mother and father. Joan had a special place in her heart for animals and raised many dogs over the years.

In addition to her parents, Joan was predeceased by her beloved husband, John “Jack” Dennis in 2005; and one sister, Janet Stiles. She is survived by her son, Michael Dennis of Madison; two daughters, Kathryn Dennis of Madison & Kristine Smith and her husband, Gregory of Hardwick Township; one brother, Stanley DeTrolio and his wife, Patricia; one sister, Katherine Cornell; five cherished grandchildren, Michael, Jonathan, Emily, Steven & Scott; one great granddaughter, Cora Rizzi; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a visitation to celebrate Joan’s life from 4:00PM to 7:00PM on Friday, October 8, 2021, held at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison. Funeral services will begin at the funeral home at 8:30AM on Saturday, October 9, 2021 followed by a 9:30AM Liturgy of Christian Burial at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. For those that wish, you may attend the Funeral Mass virtually via livestream by visiting www.svmnj.org. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Joan’s memory to the Epilepsy Foundation, 3540 Crain Highway Ste 675, Bowie, MD 20716.