Pastor’s Update

Joan Helene Ruyzam, 72, of Pompton Lakes, passed away peacefully at home while in the loving presence of her family on Friday, September 30, 2022.

Joan was born in 1950 in New York City and raised for a short time in Astoria Queens. Her life got off to a bumpy start as she was prematurely born resulting in lungs that were not fully developed. To assure the best chance for survival, Joan’s pediatrician advised her parents to move out of New York’s congested atmosphere to a place where the air quality would be cleaner. Her parents took the advice and moved to Ocean Township in South Jersey. By God’s grace, Joan’s condition continually improved to the point where she was able to lead a perfectly normal life.

In her teenage years, Joan attended Asbury Park High School while waiting for the completion of the newly constructed Ocean Township High School where she graduated in 1967. In pursuit of higher education, she attended Monmouth College in West Long Branch, NJ and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Education in 1971.

Joan really loved the sun, sand, surf and everything else there was to enjoy about life near the ocean. While in college during the summer of 1970, she decided to compete in the Miss Seaside Heights Beauty Pageant. No surprise, Joan won the contest and, in efforts to boost tourism to Seaside, a large promotional poster featuring Joan was posted in prominent locations including Grand Central Station in New York City.

Joan’s “get your foot in the door” first job was at a business school in Asbury Park. After that, she subbed until getting a job teaching typing at a grammar school in central New Jersey. Being a teacher meant summers off and she’d typically waitress to supplement her income. One summer, Joan was waitressing down the shore at a place called the Thunderbird Hotel. It was there that she waited on a couple who knew about a job opening for a business teacher at Lakeland Regional High School in Wanaque Township, NJ. Taking their advice, Joan interviewed for the position and got it. She ended up staying at Lakeland for the next thirty years until retiring in 2007.

While teaching at Lakeland, Joan enjoyed the respect of her students and colleagues. One colleague was a history teacher named Joseph Ruyzam. She and Joe eventually fell in love and married. (….) 

Joan had a love for life filled with many interests. She was an avid reader who enjoyed anything from the latest Danielle Steele romance to countless writings about political history and current political events. When she and Joe travelled, she could never resist picking up a book about the places they went. She and Joe’s travels took them all over the USA including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Nashville, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Boston and New Orleans. There was also a very much enjoyed trip to Aruba where the restaurants were a highlight. Joan’s favorite music featured songs from the 1950’s. (….)

Throughout Joan’s life, her faith in God was foundational. Even in recent years as she fought through various battles with her health, her faith was a constant source of strength. She was beloved by her students, her professional colleagues, and especially her family. Intelligent and quick witted, Joan was a pleasure to share company with. Here range of knowledge was vast and conversations with her were always interesting and thought provoking. Her smile was as beautiful as her heart from which her smile emanated.

Joan was the beloved wife of Joseph, blessing in marriage for 22 years. She is also survived by her brother-in-law John Ruyzam of Wayne, and her cousin-in-law Valerie Levine (Victor Barber) of Boonton. Joan was predeceased by her parents Edward F. and Edna R (Ford) Ringenberger.

The wake service took place at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 from 4-8 PM.

Funeral Service was celebrated at 11:00 AM at Holy Cross Polish National Catholic Church, 220 Browertown Road, Woodland Park. Burial followed at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Totowa.
 Those planning an expression of sympathy in Joan’s name are asked to consider:
Holy Cross Polish National Catholic Church
220 Browertown Road
Woodland Park, NJ 07424
 
P.A.T.C.H. (Pet Adoption Through Caring Hands)
26 Lakeside Avenue
Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442

Joan is missed by the members of her family, relatives, friends and parishioners.  She is leaving an empty spot in the hearts of many people.  May her kindness and other good qualities, which she developed with God’s grace inspire us. All members of Holy Cross Parish, my family, we extend our deep sympathy to husband Joseph, brother-in-law John, relatives and friends. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.  May she rest in peace.  Amen.  – Fr. Joseph