Joan T. Lauria, 96, of Toms River, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family. Joan was born in 1929 in New York, New York where she spent her early years. She met her husband John V. Lauria, D.C. in Manhattan before settling in Toms River.

Joan was an avid tennis player, winning multiple championship titles at the Toms River Country Club. She began a Security Business called “Security in Slides” with her dear friend, Joan Hourigan. She was active with Community Medical Center’s Second Time Around Shop and Harbor House as a volunteer. She was a member of the Toms River Yacht Club and spent numerous hours sailing with her husband and family. She loved playing bridge with her friends and could spend hours reading. She also was a Eucharist Minister at St. Joseph’s Church in Toms River. She was happiest when surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Joan was both elegant and fun. Everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her was immediately impacted by her pure joy and zest for life. The world was a better place with her in it. Her absence will be felt by everyone.

She was predeceased by her loving husband of 59 years, John V. Lauria, and daughter, Donna M. Lauria.

She is survived by her children, John V. and wife Patricia, Stephen M. and wife Hope, Joan Raso and husband Carl, and Christopher C. and wife Lisa. In addition to her children, she is survived by her eight grandchildren, John Lauria, Jr., and Katie Coyne, Amanda and Kyle Lendach, Ryan and Sydney Lauria, Christina and James Edwards, Nicole and Angel Aponte, Brianne and Robert Murphy, and Carly and Christine Raso, and five great grandchildren, Addilyn, Ashton, Cooper, Riley, and Emmersyn, who all loved her fiercely.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 10:00 am at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 685 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joan’s memory can be made to: The New Jersey Rett Syndrome Association, 417 Brickyard Road, Freehold, NJ 07728.