Joan P Wirth

Joan Patricia (Fager) Wirth, 84, of Ocean Twp, New Jersey died peacefully, surrounded by her family on January 30, 2018. She was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, the daughter of Frances (Clancy) and Philip Fager, and grew up in Fairview. She graduated from Memorial High School in West New York in 1951, then worked as secretary for McGraw Hill in New York. She met the love of her life, Martin C. Wirth, (then an Air Force pilot) at a blind date arranged by mutual friend, Harry Geyer, in 1954. The two married at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church in Fairview, in 1956. Joan and Marty raised four children in their homes: first in Buzzard’s Bay Massachusetts, then in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey. In 1963 they moved their growing family to Manalapan where they lived for more than 30 years. Joan and Marty also lived in Punta Gorda, Florida, for 26 years, and most recently in Ocean Township. All her life, Joan was a caregiver and loyal friend. If anyone needed help or a shoulder to lean on, she was there. She was a dedicated homemaker, wife, mother and grandmother. She was also a wonderful cook and enjoyed entertaining. For decades Joan and Marty hosted an annual family party that helped keep the family close. One of Joan’s favorite hobbies was tennis and she was a competitive player, serving on numerous teams both in New Jersey and in Florida. And in the face of life’s many storms Joan always kept her faith in God. She was preceded in death by her son Martin Wirth, Jr., brother Philip Fager Jr. and brother-in-law Al Tamburro. She is survived by her beloved husband Martin C. Wirth; sons James (Patti) Wirth and Michael (Claire) Wirth and daughter Linda (Jeffry Shwartz); and grandchildren Alexander and Kyle Wirth of La Conner Washington, Brendan Wirth of Huntington Station, New York, and Sydney and Samantha Shwartz of Middletown, New Jersey. She is also survived by sister-in-law Ann Fager, sisters MaryAnn (Daniel) Ambrosio and Eileen Tamburro; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Joan was loved by all who were fortunate enough to know her, and will be greatly missed. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 am Friday, Feb 9, at the Church of St. Anselm, 1028 Wayside Rd., Tinton Falls, New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Meridian Hospice at http://www.meridianathome.com/MAH/Give/index.cfm To leave an online condolence, please visit Joan’s memorial page at www.bongarzonefuneralhome.com

Joan P Wirth

November 1, 1933 - January 30, 2018