Joan Marie Trindell

Joan was born and raised in Summit, NJ, graduating from Summit High School in 1951, and worked for Bell Labs in Murray Hill, NJ, immediately upon graduation. Joan married Bernard V. Trindell (d. 1985) in 1957, raising her three children in the nearby town of New Providence, NJ. In addition to helping run her husband’s carpentry business, Joan worked for many years in Accounts Payable positions for a number of large companies. Upon her retirement in 1995, Joan moved back to Summit, where she lived until relocating to Michigan in 2019.

In addition to being devoted to her family, Joan loved travel, particularly enjoying time spent on the water. She cherished her childhood summers spent at the Jersey shore, where her lifelong love for the water was born. After retiring, she enjoyed her winters in the warm embrace of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea in Florida, basking in the sun and the company of friends and family.

A seasoned traveler, Joan’s adventurous spirit took her to many corners of the world. Often accompanied by her daughter Judy, she explored widely, including the historic streets of Spain, England, and Italy, enjoying the sights, food, and culture of each place she went.

Joan’s sense of adventure and openness to change was very useful, when, after living for 88 years within 2 miles of where she was born, she relocated to Michigan in 2019 to be near her daughter Judy and her family. First living downstate in Livonia and Plymouth, Joan relocated to the U.P. in 2022, when Judy and her husband John relocated to Marquette to be near their own three sons and their families.

Joan lived in an assisted living facility right in Marquette, where she was lovingly known as “Jersey Joan” While new to the area, she made friends easily and enjoyed playing cards and other games, as well as attending exercise class and playing bingo, which was sometimes called by her daughter Judy.

Of course, she most enjoyed spending time with family, and having her daughter Judy and her husband John and their 3 sons and their families, including 3 great-grandchildren, all in Marquette with her was a great source of joy and support for her in these later years.

Joan’s legacy is carried on by her devoted family, including her daughter Judith (John) Digneit of Marquette, MI; her sons James (Robbin) Trindell of Crawfordville, FL, and David (Ann) Trindell of Summit, NJ; along with her 9 grandchildren: Bill (Meghan), Pat (Alyssa), and Dan (Vanessa), Shawn (Ellie), Jamie Trindell, and Matthew Trindell; and Megan, Erin, and Lauren Trindell; and her four great-grandchildren: Louise, Hawkins, Houston, and Vienna. She is also survived by her brother George J. Sharp (Phoebe) of Gillette, NJ.

The Trindell family is thankful for the outpouring of love and support they have received. A celebration of Joan’s life will be held for family and friends at a later date. She will be remembered not only for her achievements and adventures but for the strength and humor with which she lived her life.

As we bid farewell to Joan Marie Sharp Trindell, we do so with hearts full of gratitude for the time we were privileged to share with her. She has left an indelible mark on the lives of all she touched, and her memory will be treasured forever.

In lieu of flowers and in recognition of Joan’s love for the ocean, memorial contributions can be made to the American Littoral Society, which works to protect our coasts and marine life.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting Joan’s family where memories and condolences may be shared at canalefuneral.com