Joan Ann Butler

Joan Ann Butler, 86, of Jersey City, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025 surrounded by family. Born on June 18, 1938 in Jersey City, New Jersey to Mary Theresa Willis and George Willis. 

Joan attended Our Lady of Victory school for her elementary years and St. Aloysius for her high school years. She then attended Secretary school where she began her career. 

She was a secretary at P.S. #33 and then became a teacher's aid until she retired. She was a member of the JCEA and worked for Jersey City Public Schools for over 30 years.

After retiring, Joan would frequently attend the local senior center where she enjoyed writing, dancing, playing bingo and participating in Zumba. She loved to play bingo with family and friends. The last 5 years of Joan’s life, she especially kept busy with her great-great granddaughter, Leilani Diaz. They played games, colored and did crossword puzzles on most days.

She is a devoted Catholic and was a member of St. Aloysius church. She made sure to instill these morals, beliefs and values in her child, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchild. 

Joan Ann Butler is survived by: her daughter, Joanne DeFrancesco, her 6 granddaughters, Jillian Diaz, Jaclene Diaz, Joanna Diaz, Jocelyn Diaz, Juliana Diaz and Jalissa Diaz. She is survived by her 10 Great-grandchildren: Cassandra Diaz, Kenneth Morales, Jayshaun Foster, Jayleane Pereira, Isaiah Morales, Ethan Pereira, Mariah Morales, Janiya Rollins, Peter Sbarro, and Devin Davis. She is also survived by her one and only Great-Great-Granddaughter Leilani Naomi Diaz that she deeply loved.  

Joan was predeceased by her mother Mary Theresa Willis, her father George Willis and her late husband Frances X. Butler. 

Joan especially will be remembered for her kind, loving, generous heart. Her beautiful smile, her sense of style and the way she lit up the room. The way she was always willing to help and support others. She was known for her love for dancing and music. Everyone will remember her humor, laughter and jokes. But most importantly, her unconditional love she poured out to others. 

Our family would like to thank Cassandra Diaz for being her caretaker for the last 5 years, making sure she was well taken care of.

Joan will be remembered with a celebration of life on Wednesday, April 16th, 2025 at 9:00 AM at Riotto Funeral Home & Cremation Company, 3205 John F.. Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City, NJ, 07306 ( For GPS it is best to use our parking lot address: 14 Stagg St., additional parking located on Kennedy Blvd.). Funeral Mass at St. Aloysius 11:00 AM. 691 West Side Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07304 Jersey city, New Jersey. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, N. Arlington.