Obituary: Joanne L. Stern-Jefferson, 54, The Woman Behind 'Hazlet Day'

Joanne L. Stern-Jefferson, 54, of West Keansburg, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013, at Bayshore Community Hospital in Holmdel.

Stern-Jefferson was a community volunteer, a Hazlet Recreation Commissioner, and ran Hazlet Day for over a decade. The October festival has grown bigger and better over that time, said Hazlet Committewoman Barbara Ronchetti, thanks to the "stick-to-itness" of its organizer. 

She was born Joanne L. Stern on May 26, 1959 in Manhattan, NY and was raised in the Bronx, NY. In 1992, Joanne settled in the West Keansburg section of Hazlet, to raise her family. Before retiring, she worked as a U.S. Probation Officer in NYC.

She was predeceased by her mother, Natalie E. (Carter) Stern. Joanne is survived by her dear father, Harold A. Stern; her loving children, J'na Jefferson and Taylor Jefferson; her cherished step son, Maurice Jefferson; her beloved brothers and sister, Michael Stern and his wife Carol of Tobyhanna, PA, Jessica Stern of Jacksonville, NC, and Harold Stern Jr. and his wife Keri of Averill Park, NY, along with many adoring nieces and nephews. She will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.

In respect of Joanne's wishes, she will be privately cremated. Family and friends are invited to visit for a memorial visitation from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25 at the Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3269 State Rt. 35 N, Hazlet.

For information, directions or to send condolences to the family, visit www.shorepointfh.com.