Joan Hart Grady

Joan Hart Grady, died Thursday, September 2, 2021 at Morristown Medical Center in Morristown NJ.

Born February 12, 1941, in Ada, Oklahoma, Joan was the daughter of the late Garland and Frances (Dorsey) Hart. Her family moved to Pittsburgh where she attended St. Francis Academy graduating with the Class of 1959. Joan completed her studies to be a Registered Nurse with a Bachelors of Science Degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Joan raised her family in Pennsylvania, Buffalo NY, and eventually moved to Hunterdon County in 1979, where she has lived ever since.

At the age of 45, she went back to school and earned her Masters Degree from Gwynedd Mercy College. While completing her studies at Gwynedd Mercy, she began working as a Hospice Nurse in Hunterdon, Somerset and Morris counties. Soon after Joan joined Hunterdon Hospice in Flemington NJ, a job that was truly her passion and gave her the ability to use her talents as a vibrant, caring and compassionate person. Eventually, she became the Executive Director of Hunterdon Hospice and retired in 2009.

In her retirement, Joan loved to travel and became a Sailing Captain. She and her husband, Klaus, would sail the Caribbean enjoying their time on the water and land. Favorite destinations included sailing in the British Virgin Islands, skiing in Vermont and sightseeing in Italy.

Joan loved preparing a meal for her family and friends, a glass of wine, and settling down with a good book to read. She and Klaus enjoyed the theater, regularly attending the Nutcracker Suite at Christmas and numerous Broadway shows. Her most cherished events though, were watching her grandchildren’s various sporting contests, concerts and plays.

Joan is survived by her husband, Klaus Hilgers, her daughter and son-in-law, Erin and John Doremus of Alexandria NJ, her son and daughter-in-law, Denis and Danielle Grady of San Diego CA, her brother and sister-in-law, Jon E. and Janice Hart of Hanover PA, and her seven grandchildren as well as several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews.

Calling hours will be on Tuesday from 1:00 pm until 3:00 on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington NJ. A eulogy and prayer service will follow immediately after. A Memorial Mass at St. Magdalen Church in Flemington is being planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s name may be made to Hunterdon Hospice, 215 Route 31 South, Flemington NJ 08822.

For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.