Obituary of Joan Savage

SAVAGE, Joan V., age 77, died peacefully on Wednesday, December 24, 2008. Born in Brooklyn, NY, she was a long-time resident of Waldwick. Before marriage, she worked as a travel agent where she was involved with relocating orphan children from Ireland to the United States. After marrying Albert Savage, in 1954, she concentrated her efforts on being a wife, mother and homemaker. She was deeply involved with Special Therapeutic Education in Equestrian Development (STEED)—an equestrian organization for disabled children. She became involved in helping children in the Special Olympics. She also spent some time working in real estate. Joan is survived by her two dear children: Her daughter Mary Kate Savage-Barron and her husband Jon of River Vale, and her son Christopher. She is also survived by her loving father William Hurley of Melbourne, FL, her sister Patricia Feit of Palm Bay, FL, her brother Michael Hurley of Castleton, NY, her brother Kevin Hurley of Palm Bay, FL and several nieces, nephews and goddaughters. Joan was predeceased by her beloved husband Albert in 1990, her daughter Virginia Ann Savage in 1965 and her son Patrick William Savage in 1987. Following private cremation, the family will receive friends on Saturday, January 10, 2009, 2 - 4 PM, at Nellie's Place, 9 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 07463. A service of committal will take place on a date to be announced, at St. Bernard's Cemetery, 551 State Route 28, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Special Therapeutic Education in Equestrian Development (STEED), P.O. Box 582, Allendale, NJ 07401, would be appreciated. Arrangements by the Vander Plaat Funeral Home (www.vpfh.com), 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff.