Obituary of Joan Montgomery

As nature resumes its beauty in the spring it is said that the human soul is apt to revive as well. On April 3, 2025 and elegant, graceful soul awoke from its slumber on earth and danced its way to heaven. The day itself exemplified Joan Teresa Montgomery’s transformation from this world. A damp drizzly morning gave way to streams of sunlight through the clouds and unseasonable warmth as her soul resumed its place next to her leading man in heaven. They have begun their forever waltz with renewed youth, vitality and love, always love. Joan is at peace.

Joan was born January 15, 1931 to Maurice and Susan (Lillis) Dougherty. She grew up in Newark and attended Saint Michaels School. The family moved to Maplewood where Joan took a job with the FBI. She was well regarded by the bureau as a confidante and transcriptionist. She met James Joseph Montgomery, who was the love of her life, and after a thorough vetting process on behalf of her employer… they were wed.They shared a rare and special love for 55 years. James predeceased Joan in 2015 after a long illness. Joan was his strength, and he hers during their years together.

Joan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She gave her time and treasure to the Seton Hall Mothers Guild and was a devoted member of Our Lady of the Valley church for many years. While raising her children she also worked for the NJ Education Association. Hers was the silent strength that kept the family together. She was the keeper of secrets, the caregiver, the person to call for help at any time day or night, the teacher of rhymes and poems and the one who could dance to any tune and did. One cannot sum up a life so rich in words, but those who knew her will remember her with love and laughter always.

Joan is survived by her four children: James and his wife Brenda, and James’s former wife and family friend Abigail; Daniel and husband Michael; John; and Mary and her husband Nick. As well as eight grandchildren: Michael and his wife Kim; Maureen, John Patrick, Riley, Cathan, Meghan, Katie and James. As well as the countless souls she treated as her own children and grandchildren, and there were many. Joan had eleven brothers and sisters and is survived by two: Mary Bennett and Irene Dougherty. She is predeceased by her brothers Charles, Maurice, Anthony and Henry Dougherty, and sisters M. Patricia Dougherty, Suzanne Linn, Rita Dougherty, M. Elizabeth Devine, Josephine Ziegler. 

Visitation will be held at Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home 101 S. Finley Ave. Basking Ridge NJ 07920 on Wednesday, April 9th in the evening from 4-7pm. Mass of Christian burial will take place on Thursday, April 10th at St. James Roman Catholic Church, 184 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge at 11am. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery following mass. In lieu of flowers, give the gift of time and patience to those you love in remembrance of Joan.