Joan A. France

Joan Ann (Cooke) France, 84 years old of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Joan was born in Hoboken, NJ, to Stephen and Ruth (McGrath) Cooke. The family moved to Rumson NJ where Joan spent her childhood with her two sisters.

She attended Holy Cross Elementary, Red Bank Catholic High School, Georgian Court University and received her master’s degree in music education from Rutgers University.
During her time as a Sister of Mercy, she taught music at Mount St. Mary’s Academy, in Watchung, NJ, where she was known as Sister Marie Etienne.

Joan married the love of her life, Jim France in 1977 at Holy Cross Church, Rumson NJ. They lived in Absecon, NJ where she continued to teach music and instill a love of music in children. She was the organist at Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Family and friends were always welcome at their home where Joan’s joie de vivre was enjoyed by all. Underlined. She taught music at St. Augustine grammar school in Ocean City N. J. until her retirement.

Joan and Jim retired to Ft. Lauderdale in 1996 and were active parishioners at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. The Church continued to play a large role in her life.

She loved her crossword puzzles, online word games and reading. Mostly, she loved her husband, family, and friends. Underlined.

Joan was preceded in her death by her parents and her sister Patricia Demsky (Jack Demsky). She is survived by her husband of 44 years Jim France, her sister Regina Clayton (Bill Clayton), many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Bow your head.

A Requiem Mass celebrating her life will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

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