Joan M. Fattell

Joan M. Fattell, age 85 of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. She was a resident of Wayne since 1963.

Joan was a loving wife to her late husband Ed, a wonderful mother to her 3 children and a caring grandmother to her 7 grandchildren.

Joan grew up on Glover Avenue in Paterson, New Jersey. Her family parish was St. Bonaventure’s Roman Catholic Church on Ramsey Street. Joan received her grammar and high school education at St. Bon’s. After high school, Joan worked at the telephone company. Joan and Ed Fattell, the love of her life, met as young children when Ed visited his aunt & uncle who were next door neighbors to Joan’s family. Joan & Ed were high school sweethearts and maintained a strong relationship while Ed attended college and then served in the army. They married on September 12, 1959 at St. Ann Melkite Catholic Church on Marshall Street in Paterson. A honeymoon in Florida followed. They flew to Miami Beach, staying at the famous Fontainebleua Hotel. Upon their return, they settled in Clifton. When the children came, Joan dedicated herself to being a full-time mom. They moved to Wayne in 1963 where they raised their family.

Joan & Ed worked hard and saved their money. They were fortunate enough to be able to buy a family house at the Jersey Shore over 40 years ago. Even better, the shore house was right next door to Ed’s parent’s house and many cousins. The ever-growing family would gather each summer at the shore house where countless memories were made. In fact, we recently learned that the original name of the house was “Memories.” For Joan’s 85th Birthday she was presented with a sign that says “Memories.” Joan proudly displayed this sign on the house for all to see. This was more than a house, it was a place we all call home, always filled with lots of love.

Joan deeply loved her husband Ed. They did everything together. Every morning they sat and had breakfast together. Having a cup of coffee and eating a piece of Entenmann’s crumb cake, they played a hand of Gin Rummy… or two… or three. They kept score with a running total, but there was never a winner or loser.

Joan was happiest in the presence of her family.  She lovingly prepared everyone’s favorite meals.  Joan was known for the special cakes she’d bake for each person’s birthday.  Family was very important to Joan. She took great pride in her children and grandchildren.

Joan is survived by her three children; Donna Beckum and her husband Todd of Eagle, CO, Karen Horey and her husband Kevin of Pittsford, NY and Edward Fattell of Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ, seven grandchildren Tyler, Bailey and Carley Beckum of Eagle, CO, Ryan, Meaghan and Colin Horey of Pittsford, NY and Edward IV of Wayne, NJ. Joan was predeceased by her loving husband Ed in 2016, her grandson Matthew James Beckum in 2000, by her father & mother Frederick & Mary Diese and her brother Fred Diese in 2013.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested a donation be made in Joan’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.