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Tuesday, July 11, 2017
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Mike, Karen and Noah Rooze posted a condolence
Monday, January 19, 2009
Dick, Margaret and Elizabeth, We were so very sorry to hear of Joan's passing, and pray that you are comforted to know she is whole now, in God's arms, where she will be awaiting a reunion with you. Our condolences to you on your loss. --Mike
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Richard N. Ostling posted a condolence
Friday, January 16, 2009
I wrote the following about my precious wife Joan for inclusion in the funeral service bulletin. “Joanie” and I first met on a blind date in 1965 at a Chinese restaurant located near the White House and her workplace, the U.S. Information Agency headquarters. I quickly invited her to a University of Maryland football game where my brother Acton was leading the marching band. (That day she carefully concealed her distaste for football.) From there, we two journalists quickly formed a loving bond and closely-knit partnership that only ended with her death from breast cancer, an affliction that she faced with valor and a notable lack of self-pity. Joan was raised near Reading, Pa., and as a young adult was academically ambitious. After graduating from Wheaton College in Illinois, she earned money from newspaper reporting and then served as a dorm counselor to pay for a master’s degree in political science. She applied U.S.I.A. savings toward a second master’s in English and the down payment for our first home in Teaneck. She next completed all requirements except the dissertation for a Ph.D. in English at New York University. But all along she yearned for children, and when we received the wonderful gifts of Margaret in 1971 and Elizabeth in 1972 she instinctively evolved into a full-time mother and housewife and never looked back. She made our home a warm and welcoming place where the neighborhood kids loved to gather. Along the way she made time for church and community volunteering, maintained a spirited interest in literature, public affairs, and religious thought, and enjoyed the many performances of fine music available in Ridgewood and the metropolitan area. The paths our daughters’ lives have taken since leaving home was her greatest delight in more recent times, a joy that was enhanced by the addition of son-in-law Albert and five lively grandchildren to our family circle. Joan was not only a loving and devoted mother but a fine cook and a clever household manager. The latter skill was vital due to my unpredictable schedule at “Time” magazine, a burden she graciously accommodated with few complaints. Unheralded, she was for decades my closest journalistic counselor and confidant. When the girls were older she returned to academe, teaching English and journalism and advising the student newspapers at The King’s College and then at Nyack College. Over the years she did occasional freelance writing and photography, co-authored a scholarly reference work on C.S. Lewis, and was my co-author on the 1999 book “Mormon America,” which we revised for a new edition published in late 2007 just before the return of cancer was diagnosed. After her original cancer treatment in 2005, God granted us time for memorable family get-togethers and such experiences as our 40th wedding anniversary tour of Italy. During the past year Joan gradually lost the ability to pursue her lifelong pastimes of reading, sewing, and smocking. Instead of complaining, she refocused energies on her longstanding interest in photography and compiled photo albums of our family histories that will be cherished keepsakes for Margaret, Elizabeth, myself, and our grandchildren. Like her sister Judy and brother Bob, over many decades Joan was consistently faithful in visiting and helping her late Mother and Father in Pennsylvania. As adults, Margaret and Elizabeth have exemplified this quality, including their loving care for their Mom during her declining phase. Joan was a wholehearted and intelligent Christian of the evangelical persuasion, and a consistent worshipper and worker in this small but remarkable congregation on Lincoln Avenue. The Ridgewood Christian Reformed Church has meant a great deal to the Ostlings these past 38 years, and she would want me to express deep appreciation for its fellowship and fidelity to the Gospel, and for the prayer support and many kindnesses the members extended to her and our family during these past months, alongside the support of many good friends elsewhere. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” (Psalm 116:15). -- Dick Ostling
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Robert and Virginia Cleath posted a condolence
Friday, January 16, 2009
Dear Dick and Family, We were so saddened to learn of Joan's death. Because she was a true believer in Jesus Christ we know she is with the Lord in heaven. We are praying for you and your two daughters and family during this time of great sadness. Joan's life was that of a servant of Jesus Christ, a superb writer and of course a wonderful wife and mother. She will be sorely missed by her family and all of us who loved her. We don't always know the whys and wherefores of how God rules in the lives of his children, but we know God loves us with an unending love and has a perfect plan for our lives. We send our deepest sympathy to all of you at this time of bereavement. Love, Bob and Virginia Cleath
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John & Hazel Timmer posted a condolence
Friday, January 16, 2009
To Dick, Elizabeth and Margaret and Albert, We were sad to hear of Joan's death, and we extend our deepest sympathy to you. A steadfast disciple of Christ, Joan was deeply rooted in faith. We think of her with great affection. We have warm memories of our times with your family during our Ridgewood years. Keeping you in our prayers at this time. Joan & Hazel
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Chris and Lisa Kerns posted a condolence
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Our hearts go out to you and you have our deepest sympathy. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you. We will miss Aunt Joanie, but are thankful to know she is with the Lord. Love, Chris, Lisa, Kara, Isaac and Casey
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Whitney Pencina posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
What a blessing it was to know Mrs. Ostling. She will forever be in our memory and all the Ostlings/Changs in our prayers always....May the Lord comfort you and be with you all as you celebrate her life and memory. Love, Michael and Whitney Pencina
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Harvey and Audrey Stob posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Dear Dick, Elizabeth, Margarete, and Albert, Audrey and I send you our deepest condolences. We thank God for gift that Joan was for you and for so many who got to know her. We cherish many good memories of you and our Ridgewood family. May the love and the grace of God embrace you and fill you with his peace. Harvey and Audrey Stob
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Alicia and Dwane Paulsen posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
To all the Ostlings and Changs: We send all our love to you, and we want to let you know how inspired we are by your family. Love, Alicia and Dwane John 3:16.
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Katherine Schaffer posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
We remember Joan's life with great pleasure. She was a wonderful friend and we are glad that we have some very tangible mementoes of her. We were always happy when our daughters played together - we still have a large wooden box that they built and decorated together! We also remember especially Joan's unfailing generosity. She took care of our toddler son every week for a year so I could work with the Girl Scouts. We still treasure the wonderful pictures she took of him while he was with her. We regret Joan's premature death, but we are comforted that she was surrounded by family and friends in her last days. Our lives were greatly enriched by hers. Katherine and Sheldon Schaffer
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Dori Doyle posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Dear Dick, Margaret, Elizabeth, and Albert, I am very sad that I will have to wait until Heaven to see Joan again. That only moves me to pray for you- whose grief will wash over and over, perhaps for a long,long time. May you grieve truly, and yet not as those without hope. I remember, Dick, those days in Fairlington, when we were privileged to get to know you both. I sensed Joan's sincerity of friendship. I so appreciated her candor about life's challenges, which bridged a gulf created by my awe of her amazing brilliance. What a person who reflected some of the great wonder of God's Image. Our prayers will ascend for you, Margaret and Elizabeth, who have lost your wonderful mother. For you, Dick, my first desire in prayer will be for the Lord to uphold you in these first strange days... and then... that He will draw fiercely near you in the awful un-sought solitude and profound loneliness. He is jealous for your soul and I pray will give you repeated awareness of His holding onto you when you are too heartbroken to hold on to Him. In the Grip of His Mighty Love, Dori
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Arthur Goulet posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
In a sense, it's especially sad for me to lose my long-ago friend, because her absence has been a normal thing for many years now. In that way, it takes longer to fully assimilate the loss; the realization of her dying brings sudden and painfully fresh sadness every time it comes to mind. However, as I write on this Condolences form and see the photo of Joan's smiling face next to these words, her smile lifts those feelings and makes me grateful for her life and her friendship. Her smile especially brings to mind the happy occasions when my family and hers had so much fun together. In particular, the eight of us had nothing short of a wonderful time during our 2 weeks of trailer camping in Quebec. We laughed for days on end when the half-full cider jug I kept under my camper each night was missing and presumed stolen. (Hint: The jug was far from correct in its labeling. Ask Dick for specifics!) Dear Dick, Margaret, and Elizabeth, I hope that it will not take long to replace present sorrow with your fondest memories of the best of Joan's life and of its contributions to all of us-- and indeed to the whole world through her scholarly work. I offer to each of you my continued love and my warmest hopes for profound meaning, a settled contentment, and lots of Joan's Pennsylvania-Dutch TLC in your own lives. Arthur Goulet Los Angeles, CA
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Charles and Marcia Strause posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Dear Dick , Elizabeth, Margaret and Albert, Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you during this time of sorrow. Take comfort that Cousin Joan is now resting in the arms of our Lord. Her pain and suffering is ended. What a joyous reunion she must have had with Aunt Vi and Uncle Allen. We wanted so much to be with you to pay our respects in person but that will not be possible. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you. May God be with you, Cousin Charles and Marcia
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Joyce Meng posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Dear Elizabeth: I'm so sorry for your loss, but am confident that you whole family will be reunited with your mom in the future in perfect love. My prayers are with you and your family. I am so proud of the strength and love that your family have shown in all things, especially in during your mother's battle with breast cancer. I don't know your mother well, but it is a privilege to get to know someone (even if only a little) who has such probing intellect and great love for her family. Love, Joyce
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Sandra L. Manwiller posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Sorry I will not be able to attend. My prayers go out to the whole family. But some how knowing that she is in no pain and with our Lord makes is easer. She is now with all those who have gone before her, what a party they must all be having with our Lord. I am Sandra L Manwiller the wife of the late Brian W. Manwiller who was a cousin to Joan. We did keep in touch by Christmas Card and letter. I will miss that. Well God Bless to all Family and Friends who Loved Joan and remember that we are all "IN HIS GRIP" just as Joan is right now! Love Sandy
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Seona Bae posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The loss will be long-felt and sad for a very long time. May the Lord of Comfort be your comfort now, and the Lord of Glory be her joy now and for eternity. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Karen Goulet posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Dear Dick, Margaret, and Elizabeth, I was so saddened to hear of Joan's passing. You have all been so dear to me for so long, that even when we just kept touch through Christmas cards, I have still felt you are close enough to touch, and the loss of Joan is palpable as I sit to write this. I have so many tender memories of times spent with your family and of Joan's loving spirit. I cannot tell you how touched I was to receive the dress Joan crafted for my daughter; I felt so honored that Joan had taken the time, even when battling her illness, to put so much care in making something so beautiful for us. I haven't see you all in many years, but when I pulled that dress out of the box, I felt Joan's strong arms wrapped around me, hugging me and telling me I was loved. Your family has been in my prayers a lot over the last few weeks and I have been so fortunate to be back in touch with Margaret and Elizabeth in just the last week. Know that I hold you all very close to my heart and you will continue to be in my prayers. With much love, Karen
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Debra Mason posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Dear Dick and Family: We're saddened and heartsick at your loss. What a fine writer, teacher and gracious soul the world has lost. May the care of friends bring some small comfort at this difficult time. We're thinking of you. Yours, Debra Mason
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Art and Carol Rooze posted a condolence
Monday, January 12, 2009
Dear Dick,and family, "Fear not, I am with you; O be not dismayed, for I am your God and will still give you aid; I'll strenghten you, help you, and cause you to stand, upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand." Art and Carol Rooze
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Allan Blank posted a condolence
Monday, January 12, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. With deepest sympathy, Allan & Mary Blank
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Kay Campbell posted a condolence
Monday, January 12, 2009
If my personal sadness at knowing that such a generous and intelligent woman is gone from us (and I have only had the pleasure of speaking with Joan quite briefly at professional meetings), I can't imagine the gap her death will leave in the life of her family -- and, selfishly, on my bookshelf (from the books she will not be doing in the future with Dick). I was blessed to know her, and will be thinking about you all this week. --from Kay in Huntsville, Ala.
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Ann Rodgers posted a condolence
Monday, January 12, 2009
Dear Dick & family, I had heard through the RNA grapevine that Joan was very ill. I am so sorry for your loss. I believe I only met Joan once or twice but I am well aware that you were a team in many ways and that she was a great part of making you the person that I have always respected and looked up to as a colleague and role model. You and your family will be in my prayers. Sincerely, Ann Rodgers
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Elizabeth Ostling posted a condolence
Monday, January 12, 2009
Even-song Blest be the God of love, Who gave me eyes, and light, and power this day, Both to be busie, and to play. But much more blest be God above, Who gave me sight alone, Which to himself he did denie: For when he sees my waies, I dy: But I have got his sonne, and he hath none. What have I brought thee home For this thy love? have I discharg'd the debt, Which this dayes favour did beget? I ranne; but all I brought, was fome. Thy diet, care, and cost Do end in bubbles, balls of winde; Of winde to thee whom I have crost, But balls of wilde-fire to my troubled minde. Yet still thou goest on, And now with darknesse closest wearie eyes, Saying to man, "It doth suffice: Henceforth repose; your work is done." Thus in thy ebony box Thou dost inclose us, till the day Put our amendment in our way, And give new wheels to our disorder'd clocks. I muse, which shows more love, The day or night: that is the gale, this th' harbour; That is the walk, and this the arbour; Or that the garden, this the grove. My God, thou art all love. Not one poore minute scapes thy breast, But brings a favour from above; And in this love, more than in bed, I rest. - George Herbert I love you, Mom! See you later...
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Mark and Kathy Lucas posted a condolence
Monday, January 12, 2009
Dear Dick and Family, We are saddened to hear of Joan's death and wish you to know that we will uphold your family in our thoughts and petitions to God. We have such a flood of good memories of times speaking and working together at Ridgewood Church. May our good God give you strength and peace in this time In christian love and sympathy, Mark and Kathy
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Josua Batubara posted a condolence
Monday, January 12, 2009
Dear Elizabeth and family, My sincere condolences and prayers are with you. With deepest sympathy, Josua Batubara
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Ed Briggs posted a condolence
Monday, January 12, 2009
Dear Dick and family, I was shocked and saddened to read of Joan's death. Dick, you have always had a special place in my life going back about a quarter of a century. And I know Joan was a driving force in the gifts you both worked hard to give to all of us. From a personal experience, I know that when a loved one dies that death leaves a hole that can never be filled. Dick, my prayers are with you, your family and Joan. Ed Briggs -- edbriggs037@verizon.net
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Sue Hunter-Ash posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
Dear Uncle Dick, Margaret and Elizabeth, My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve for your loss. I was very sad to hear of Aunt Joan's passing, and I will miss her. I have many great memories of visiting you all in Ridgewood, camping together and staying at the shore. Aunt Joan took me for my first trip on the subway, to ride the Statton Island Ferry and see the Statue of Liberty, and she loaned me my first flute. I will never forget the generosity she has always shown to me and my family, or the earnestness with which she strove to better the lives of those around her. Most of all, I will remember the way she had of laughing at herself when she did something slightly embarrassing, the wry but patient smile she had when 4 cousins poked fun at her choice of language, and her happy, easy manner when she conversed on a subject about which she was well educated. She had a lot to offer, and I am grateful to have shared in a part of her life. With much love and sadness for your loss, Sue
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