Obituary of JoAnn Brown

JoAnn Brown passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 11, 2017, surrounded by her loving family at Compassionate Care Hospice, Dover. She was 70 years young. Born and raised in Paterson, she met her soulmate and love of her life, Jerry in West Paterson. They were married on June 22, 1996 and recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. They relocated to the Lake Arrowhead section of Denville in 1994, where they have lived and enjoyed the splendors of being a part of the lake community. Together, JoAnn and Jerry, enjoyed visiting antique shops, looking for "new" old treasures. Maxfield Parrish was one of her favorite artists. JoAnn enjoyed watching the NY Giants, Penn State Football, and the NY Rangers. She had the opportunity to meet #2, Brian Leetch, on a few occasions. Coincidentally, the two shared the same birthday. JoAnn was an avid sports fan who loved Willie Mays, and when traveling with her husband, enjoyed attending a baseball game in the city where they were visiting. Even though, he is a Yankee fan, much to Mom's dismay, she approved anyway. She was also a very talented bowler, scoring 668 in a 3 series game. "Mr. & Mrs. Crabby" came in first place the past two consecutive years in the Thursday night bowling league at Rockaway Lanes. JoAnn and Jerry were very patriotic, having performed voluteer work renovating the Battle Ship New Jersey on several occasions. They had the incredible opportunity to take a flight on the Yankee Lady, a World War II vintage B-17 airplane. It was truly the thrill of a lifetime! JoAnn would accompany Jerry to the Battle of the Bulge monthly meetings at the Picatinny Arsenal where they would have lunch, meet and share stories with Veterans, all of whom are national heroes and were treasured by her. JoAnn was one of those people who made everyone feel special. She never forgot anyone's name or birthday. She always asked about the people in your life, and was kind, generous, and sincere. She spoke her mind, but was not hurtful; she was truly an authentic lady. She was loved unconditionally and will be missed by many, including her bowling family, her Battle of the Bulge family, Jerry's Stickball family, and her many extended family and friends. Left to keep her legacy alive is her beloved husband, Jerry, the love of her life for 28 years; her adored daughters, Michele Behnken and her husband Todd of Wayne and Lisa Talerico (nee DelVecchio) and her husband David of Wayne; and her cherished grandchildren, Ryan Michael Behnken, Kelsey Michele Behnken, Melissa Todd Behnken, David Michael Talerico, Jr., and Jake Leonard Talerico. Public Visitation will take place on Saturday, January 14th from 9:00 – 11:00 am with a Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Ave., Denville, NJ 07834. Memorial Donations can be made in her memory to the charity of the donors choice by way of www.inmemoryof-memorial.org. Please leave a special memory and condolence for her family.