Joan Blatz

September 21, 1928 - June 2, 2020

Joan English Blatz, age 91 passed away peacefully at her home in Ocean on Tuesday June 2nd surrounded by loving family. A lifelong believer, she went to be with her Lord. Joan was born in Brooklyn NY and grew up in Franklin Square, Long Island. In Manhattan she worked in fashion on Fifth Avenue, studied at NYU and met Rudy Blatz at a Club Domicana dance. In 1950 Joan and Rudy married, and kept dancing for 48 years. They moved to Berkeley Heights NJ but finally settled in Colts Neck NJ. They had a lovely home where all were made to feel welcome. She was a loving and lively Mom to each of her six children. She was a wise counselor and always open-hearted, a lively spirit ready to celebrate all accomplishments great and small. Joan worked in Real Estate for 40 years, specializing in finding the first house for young couples. She loved to garden, read and play bridge. She was a communicant of St Mary’s Church in Colts Neck for decades. When she was diagnosed with dementia, her son Paul was her devoted caretaker for the last decade of her life, making it possible for her to live at home joyously. Terry Thein of Oceanport was also a devoted caretaker for Joan. Joan was predeceased by her husband Rudy, her parents, Anne and Thomas English, and brother Jack English. She leaves behind her six children, Mary Blatz and Bunrith Ngin of Kingsburg CA, Anne Blatz and Eric Paul of Bloomfield NJ, Teresa and Tom Loy of Lawrenceville NJ, Cathy and John Blackburn of Colts Neck NJ, Joe Blatz of Sag Harbor NY and Paul Blatz of Ocean NJ. Five Grandchildren, Brent, Philip, and James and Meghan Chapmen, Elizabeth and Marco Jesus, and Theo Robinson. 5 Great grandchildren, Jack, Avery, Ezekiel, Maisie, and Mercedes. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Catholic Charities. Due to the current health crisis, all services will be held privately. A memorial service to celebrate Joan’s life will be held next spring, as life renews itself through her family. To share condolences and memories, please visit Joan’s memorial page at www.bongarzonefuneralhome.com