Joan Elaine Kievit

Joan Elaine Kievit (née Smith), age 93, of Wayne, NJ, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 14, 2025.

Joan was born in Phillipsburg, NJ, the only child of Donald and Gertrude Smith. During her childhood, her family relocated to Saddle Brook, NJ, and she graduated from Garfield High School where she was a cheerleader with the Class of 1950. Not long after, she was introduced to William (Bill) Kievit on a blind date. Their connection was immediate, and with Bill’s job relocating him to Virginia, he proposed just two weeks after they met, knowing he had found the love of his life. As fate would have it, they fell in love and the couple married on September 6, 1952.  Joan and Bill then began their life together in Richmond, Virginia. They soon moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where they welcomed the births of their three sons: David, Bruce and Bob. In 1959, they settled in Wayne, New Jersey, where they built their first home and created a lifetime of memories.  Joan and Bill remained in that home for the rest of their lives together.

After getting married, Joan embraced her role as a full-time homemaker with joy and devotion. It was a calling she fulfilled daily with grace and pride. She was a deeply dedicated wife and mother, known for having breakfast and dinner on the table every day and for lovingly hosting countless family holidays and celebrations. She was an outstanding cook and was legendary for her macaroni and cheese, her cheese bread, and famous brownies.  Her brownies were shared generously with family, friends, neighbors, and even her hairdresser.

A true embodiment of the 1950s American homemaker, Joan found tremendous fulfillment in caring for her home and her family. She took great pride in maintaining a spotless house, preparing delicious meals, and welcoming her husband home each evening dressed with care and grace. She also had a natural talent for home improvement, confidently selecting and installing paint and wallpaper herself.

Joan’s greatest passion in life was her family. Nothing in the world meant more to her than providing for and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  She and Bill shared an extraordinary sixty-eight years of loving and loyal marriage, marked by deep affection and mutual respect, until Bill’s passing in 2021. Together, they enjoyed memorable trips to Bermuda for their 25th anniversary and to Hawaii for their 50th. Family summers were spent annually in Harvey Cedars on Long Beach Island at the Jersey Shore, a cherished family tradition that brought joy and lasting memories to their family throughout the years.

Though she was a private and quiet individual, Joan had a delightful sense of humor and often delivered unexpectedly witty remarks that brought smiles and laughter to those around her. She was loved not just by her three sons, but also by all of their friends who would frequently spend time in her home.  She adored her beloved dogs, her cherished poodle and 3 Bichons, who were always by her side.

Joan Elaine Kievit will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, and a woman whose heart and home were always open to those she loved. She touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Joan is survived by her three sons; David R Kievit and his wife Liz of Glen Mills, PA, Bruce W Kievit and his partner Paulette Marsh of Coatesville, PA, and Robert C Kievit and his wife Laura of Cedar Grove, NJ, as well as seven grandchildren; Will Kievit and his wife Alyssa of Ridgewood, NJ, Mike Kievit and his wife Kendra of West Chester, PA, Tim Kievit and his wife Tiffany of Phoenixville, PA, Jeanette Caccese and her husband Ryan of Holmes, PA, Brian Kievit and his fiancé Sarina Shinko of Quincy MA, Christine Kievit and her fiancé Jon Dolmseth of Levittown, PA, and Jennifer Kievit and her boyfriend Magnus Reistad (“Mr. Beautiful” as Joan called him) of Meriden, CT, and two great grandchildren; Harry, and Riley.  Joan was predeceased by her husband William Kievit in 2021.

‍

In lieu of flowers, donation in Joan’s name may be made to Tunnels to Towers or Make a Wish Foundation