Obituary of Joan M. Dacey

Joan M. Dacey passed away peacefully on Monday, June 22, 2020 at Morristown Post Acute Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. She had shared 83 years of unconditional love and care, infectious laughter, essential knowledge, and priceless memories with family and friends.

Born and raised in Paterson to the late Elizabeth and John Goggin, she was the only child to bless the Goggin household. After graduating from St. Elizabeth Catholic High School, she attended All Souls Nursing School in Morristown receiving her Licensed Practical Nurse Certification. She made a wonderful career for herself working at All Souls Hospital in Morristown and Saint Clare’s Hospital in Denville. Although Joan was a patient, kind, compassionate Nurse and Caregiver, she realized her true calling was to be a Mom. Proud mother of five, she and her beloved husband Daniel F. Dacey, Sr. raised their exceptional family Rockaway, New Vernon, and Chester. In order to be closer to her children, Joan became a crossing guard in Rockaway Boro; it was here that she proved to be a true hero. While she was eight months pregnant with her fifth child, her Momma instincts kicked in when an “onrushing automobile” was coming full speed towards children and she reacted in a way that saved their lives.

Joan was a first-generation horse enthusiast; she adored all animals but horses were the dearest to her heart. Her husband gifted her her first horse, Danny, in 1972 which ignited her passion that much more; she participated in many horse competitions. She also passed on the esteemed sport to her children, which they then passed onto their children, and the tradition continues. After all, they were raised on the family farms, Bedlam Acres in New Vernon and then Mile-Away Farm in Chester. All of her children were taught by their talented mother how to ride. We will forever be grateful to her for this precious gift.  

Not only was Joan accomplished in equestrian arts, she was also competitive in golf and tennis and a proud member of Mendham Golf & Tennis Club. Daniel and her enjoyed spending time together watching their beloved Yankees. Above all, her family always came first in her life; there wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for them. Although we are deeply saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing she is now reunited in Heaven with her husband, Daniel, her daughter, Cynthia Lee Kennington, and her faithful pup, Zachary.

She leaves only joyful memories to her adored children, Kathleen Rady and her husband Thomas Rady, Jr. of Succasunna, NJ, Kimberley Grant and her husband Roger Grant, Sr. of Olney, MD, Kelly Lee and her husband Chris of Chanhassen, MN, and Daniel F. Dacey, Jr. and his wife Kelly of Madison, NJ; her loving son-in-law, John Kennington; her cherished grandchildren, Heather, Shannon, and Thomas Rady III and his wife Christin, Kaela, Baylee, and Kyleigh Kennington, Jacqueline, Nicolette, Daniel, and Roger Grant, Jr., Ryan and Courtney Lee, and Eamonn, Dylan, and Daniel F. Dacey V; her treasured great-grandchildren, Makayla, Sierra, and Kendall Rady; and many more extended family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 10 am at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 15 Myers Avenue, Denville. Burial will follow at Holy Rood Cemetery in Morristown. Memorial Donations are being accepted by way of www.inmemof.org to the Dementia Society of America. Please light a candle, leave a condolence, and share your favorite memory of Joan here to continue to celebrate the incredible life she shared with us.