Joan Diane Zaleski

Joan D. Zaleski entered into eternal peace at her home surrounded by her family on November 12th, 2021. Preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years, Dr. Stanley J. Zaleski. Joan is survived by her four children, son Stanley Jr. (Elaine) Zaleski, daughters Dr. Jill Zaleski, Lissa Zaleski and Gwen (Jeff) Cook and her loving grandchildren Jake Johnson, Zachary Zaleski, Makenna Cook, Kristi Zaleski, Jack Roken, Sophie Johnson, and Austin Cook. She is also survived by her dear sister Rita Orlacchio and her children Alan, Annie, and Diane. Joan was born in Bloomfield, New Jersey on October 15th, 1936. She graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1954. Following graduation, Joan proceeded to further her education studying at St. Michael’s Hospital School of Nursing in Newark, NJ, graduating in 1957 as a registered nurse. Shortly thereafter Joan married Dr. Stanley Zaleski that same year. Joan was a long-time resident of Cherry Hill, New Jersey where her and her husband Stan built their dream home in 1970 where they would raise their four children. Joan’s greatest joy was gathering her family and friends for Sunday dinners and holiday parties. She was an excellent cook and baker, known for many dishes and preparing food from scratch. Her desserts were very traditional Italian consisting fresh berry, drizzled with custard and chocolate, she also made many wedding cakes for family and friends. Her recipes held near and dear to her heart and it was important to maintain yearly family traditions of baking cookies and spending quality time together. Joan also enjoyed gardening, playing tennis and in her later years spoiling her seven beautiful grandchildren. Joan never wanted to be the center of attention, so her service will be private for immediate family members only. Friends wishing to honor Joan are invited to donate in her name to her favorite charity St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate/.