Joanne Murtha (nee Ernst) of Monroe, loving wife and adoring mother of three children, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021.
Born Oct. 22, 1966, in Jersey City, N.J., to Mary (nee Piombino) and Robert W. Ernst.
She was raised in Norwood, N.J., where she attended Northern Valley OT. She went to University of Delaware before marrying Timothy P. Murtha in 1988. Together they raised their children Brian, Kaitlyn and Justin.
Joanne was a loving, devoted mother who cared deeply for her children and family. She was a beacon of love, happiness and joy to all around her.
She was a friend to all and always looked to find the good in everyone. She instilled so much affection and warmth into her home, which included three dogs that she loved profoundly.
Every single night she told her children how much she loved them, how proud she was of the, and how important they were to her.
Joanne loved the ocean and spent summers at Manasquan Beach, N.J., with family and friends. She was very humble, with an incredible sense of humor. Her caring and warm personality led many to gravitate to her at every gathering and celebration.
Joanne was known for and will always be remembered by her beautiful smile, contagious laugh, genuine selflessness and heart of gold.
Joanne leaves behind her husband Tim, sons Brian and Justin, and daughter Kaitlyn. She is survived by her parents Mary and Bob Ernst of Norwood, sister Marie Rowe (Kevin) of Oak Ridge, and brothers Robert Ernst (Laura) of Mahwah and Joseph Ernst (Donna) of Glen Rock. She also leaves behind her sisters-in-law Maureen Murtha and Eileen Murtha, brother-in-law Kenneth Murtha and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Smith, Seaman, and Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home, 117 Maple Ave., Monroe, NY 10950. A
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church, Norwood, N.J. on Saturday, Feb. 20, at 10:30 a.m., with interment immediately following at Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah. A livestream of Joanne’s Mass can be viewed at the following link:
https://boxcast.tv/channel/joanne-murtha-funeral-mass-677860
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Joanne’s memory to any of the following:
Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center www.hackensackumc.org/services/cancer-care
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals www.aspca.org
North Shore Animal League www.animalleague.org
Arrangements by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home (845 782-8185 or www.ssqfuneralhome.com).