Obituary of Joyce Cougle

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Joyce Cougle, a long time Rockaway resident who passed away on March 4th, 2023, at St. Clare’s Hospital in Denville, NJ. She had shared 82 years of love, faith, wisdom with family and friends.

Joyce was born to Kenneth and Lavina Alselben in Morristown, NJ, and was raised in Denville alongside her sister, Gail. She graduated from Morris Hills High School and went on to work as a secretary, then as a bus driver for her High School. Later on, when her husband passed, Joyce took over the family business, Cougle & Sons Oil Co. She wasn’t done yet, though; Joyce continued on to make a significant difference with the Rockaway Rotary and even became the District Governor for Rotary In North NJ. When she wasn’t working hard, Joyce enjoyed the simple things in life. She had a green thumb and spent her days tending to her garden and planting beautiful flowers. She also loved to spend time with her family, those holiday gatherings being her favorites. Seeing her all of her descendants gathered around the table laughing and talking brought such joy to her heart. Joyce will always be remembered for her kindness and dedication to her family and community.

Though her passing is a loss so profound, we take comfort in knowing she is reunited in heaven with those who passed before her; her beloved husband, John, her parents, Kenneth and Lavina, and her brother, Kenneth. It is now up to those she leaves behind to carry on her memory. Her survivors include her children, Deborah Smith (Brian), Kevin Arthur Cougle, John Frank Cougle, Jr., her grandchildren, Shawn Smith (Teresa), Courtney Wood (Tyler), John Frank Cougle III (Gillian), her great grandchildren, Baylee, Ryan, Ryder, Emery, and her siblings, Gail Clodfelter (Bruce) and Lynn Wilson, as well as a wealth of nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.

Public Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 9th from 3 - 7 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Funeral Service will take place on Friday, March 10th at 10 am at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Rockaway Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 35 Church St, Rockaway, NJ 07866. Memorial Donations are being accepted in Joyce's memory to Marcella Community Club by way of www.inmemof.org to ensure receipt of your donation. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of Joyce here to continue to celebrate her life and let her light shine.