Obituary of Joan M. Ballsmith

For Joan’s loved ones who are unable to attend her Funeral Mass in person the service will be lived streamed on October 23^rd   starting at 10:00 AM please click on the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QNl_vJWgsk

Joan Margot Ballsmith (86) departed to the loving embrace of the Lord on October 18, 2023, surrounded by her cherished family. She was born on April 26, 1937, in Watseka, Illinois, to Florence and Marvin Dooley.

Throughout her life, Joan's journey took her to various places, including Palos Verdes Estates, California, Coronado, California, Destin, Florida, Maplewood, New Jersey and many more.

Her love story with college basketball player Jack Ballsmith captured hearts as he swept the cheerleader off her feet, leading them to elope in Tupelo, Mississippi. Their loving marriage endured 66 wonderful years.

She leaves behind her beloved husband and life partner, Jack Ballsmith, her brother Dennis Schroeder (Sandy), her daughter Cynthia (Paul), and her sons David (Linda) and Michael. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Marvin Dooley, and her brother, Ted Dooley.

Joan cherished her role as a grandmother and adored her 11 grandchildren: Krista Neuenschwander, Matthew Neuenschwander (Maggie), Nicholas Neuenschwander, Kelly Neuenschwander, Liam Galligan, John Ballsmith, Katerina Ballsmith, Mikayla Ballsmith, Eliana Ballsmith, Sean Ballsmith, and Erin Ballsmith.

Known to all as the life of the party, Joan was an athletic and highly competitive individual who had a deep love for tennis, bridge, and a wonderful sense of humor. Above all, she was completely devoted to her family.

A funeral mass to celebrate Joan's life will be held on Monday, October 23 at 10am ET at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 217 Prospect St, South Orange, NJ 07079.

A burial for Joan will take place at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on Saturday, Oct 28, 2023

In lieu of flowers donations to Our Lady of Sorrows Church (Repairs and Maintenance Fund) would be appreciated.