Joan Clarkin-Heary, 61, of Matawan, passed away Thursday at Anchor Rehab in Hazlet.

Joan was born in Jersey City and raised in Matawan. She was a graduate of St. John Vianney and then furthered her education at Trenton State College, graduating with a degree in History. She would start her working career at the public defenders office during college then following college she would go work for Merrill Lynch.

Joan would marry the love of her life, James, in 1989, they moved to Bethlehem, PA for a few years but eventually came home to Matawan to raise their young family. Joan had a vivacious personality, intelligence, a quick wit and was good at everything she did. Joan was a natural athlete, she loved to ski, golf, and play tennis. She enjoyed any social event, family trips to Long Beach Island and was a great mother who ran a tight ship at home.

Joan is survived by her husband James Heary; her parents Mark and Joan Clarkin; her children James, Samantha, and Emma Heary; her siblings Michele Quinn and Steve, Laura Quinn and Tom, Karen McGuinness and Michael, and Denise Frank; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation Sunday, March 24th, 2:00 – 5:00 pm at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733.  Mass of Christian burial Monday, March 25th, 10:00 am at St. Benedict's RC Church, 165 Bethany Road, Holmdel.  Entombment to follow in Holmdel Mausoleum.  For messages of condolence, please visit Joan's page of tributes at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com.