Joan R. Cornell passed away on Monday, February 19, 2018 at Haven Hospice at JFK Medical Center in Edison. She was 85 years old.

Born in Burlington, she resided there and in Cranford before moving to the Iselin section of Woodbridge Township 62 years ago .

Joan was a 1953 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. She was a registered nurse, later an evening supervisor at JFK Medical Center in Edison for 20 years before her retirement.

She was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church. She was active in the Girls' Friendly Society, Episcopal Church Women, Handbell Choir, Altar Guild, and served as Financial Secretary. Joan was a longtime member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Cranford, NJ. In her own words, her greatest joy at church was being a "proud pew sitter."

Surviving is her husband of 63 years, Thomas J. Cornell. Joan is also survived by the Venerable Archdeacon, Peter S. Cornell of Metuchen, Nancy K. Cornell of Metuchen, Nancy C. Lesiw of Colonia, the Very Reverend Amy S. Cornell of Mercerville and her grandchildren, Cathryn K. Cornell, Christopher J. Lesiw and Matthew J. Lesiw.

A service in celebration of Joan's life will take place on Sunday, March 11, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Cranford, NJ.