Obituary of Joan Rae Farley

~~Joan R. Farley, 67, passed away on May 25, 2017 in Morristown following esophageal cancer surgery. Her loved ones were by her side.

Ms. Farley was born in Yonkers, NY to William and Flora Farley. She grew up in Yonkers and Larchmont, NY and attended the School of the Holy Child in Rye, NY.

In 1968, Ms. Farley began her studies at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY and in 1970 transferred to Williams College in Williamstown, MA during the college’s first year transitioning to a co-ed student body. She graduated from Williams in 1972 with a B.A. in history.

Following her undergraduate studies, Ms. Farley attended Fordham Law School in New York City, from which her father William Farley also graduated in 1936. She earned her J.D. from Fordham in 1975.

In 1979, Ms. Farley moved to Madison with her husband David Ward. She commuted into Manhattan for her entire career, working as an attorney for Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield and then the Visiting Nurse Service of New York as Associate General Council for the legal department since 1996. She was a member of both the New Jersey and the New York Bar Associations.

An active member of the community, Ms. Farley was involved in local politics for the Democratic party, served as a member of the Madison Community Pool Board for many years, and participated in the PTO while her daughters attended Madison High School.

She enjoyed reading and was a member of several local book clubs. She also enjoyed exercising, swimming, and trips to the beach where she and her husband and daughters spent many summer vacations. A dog lover, she was frequently seen walking the family dog around the neighborhood.

Ms. Farley is survived by her 2 daughters, Carolyn Ward of East Hanover and Donna Ward of Chatham; a brother and sister, Bill Farley and Joyce Farley Alspach; 3 nephews and 1 niece; and her cocker spaniel Milo.

Family and friends are welcome to gather at Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler Funeral Home, 106 Main St., Madison, NJ 07940, on Thursday, June 1, 2017 from 5-8 pm. A memorial service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, 4 Madison Ave., Madison, NJ on Friday, June 2, 2017 at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corps.