Longtime Little Silver resident Joan Verdon Peer passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 15 surrounded by “her adoring husband Norman, and her children whom she loved so much.” She was 84. 

A longstanding volunteer for the Little Silver First Aid Squad, Joan was its captain in 1982. 

“She was devoted to her parish, St. George’s-by-the-River Episcopal Church in Rumson, and loved singing in the church choir as well volunteering at the church’s Canterbury Fair. For over 25 years, Joan and Norm were members of Navesink Country Club, where Joan enjoyed many activities, particularly paddle tennis, and met some of her dearest friends. Her weekly bridge group was very special to her. She also cherished vacations with family and friends, hosting Thanksgiving for over 30 people, and time spent with her beloved grandchildren.” 

Loved ones of Joan Verdon Peer in her obituary

Joan was born in Hoboken on Jan. 12, 1937, the fourth of John and Hazel Verdon’s five children. She was raised in Ridgewood and in 1958 earned a bachelor’s degree in English Literature at Rosemont College, outside of Philadelphia. 

While studying at Rosemont, she met Norman Peer, then a student at Villanova University, who became the love of her life.

They married in 1962 and settled in 1970 in Little Silver where they raised their five children. When all were teenagers, Joan and Norm welcomed 35 foster children into their home, two of whom they adopted.

“Always dedicated to helping children in need, Joan worked tirelessly as a volunteer at the CPC (Children’s Psychiatric Center), where she supervised many field trips for children with special needs and helped plan numerous events and fundraisers. She served on the CPC benefits committee, which helped children and families in crisis.” 

Joan also volunteered with to the Monmouth County Foster Care System and the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County. 

Joan leaves: her beloved husband of nearly 60 years; her son, Andrew Peer, of Highlands; and her daughters, Jennifer McConnell, of Hingham, MA. (Tom), Mollie Twining, of Rumson (Taylor), Sheila Smith, of Montclair (Todd), and Jennifer Anne; her adoring grandchildren, Drew, Michael, Caroline, Brett, Jaz, Kali, Kyra, Haley, Madeline, Mason, Logan, Sarah, Lily and Jake.  

She was predeceased by her son, Kevin Peer.

 A memorial service will be held in the new year.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CASA. 

— Edited obituary provided by family via Thompson Memorial Home

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