The Belmar/Lake Como St. Patrick's Day Parade
32nd Deputy Grand Marshal:

Joan M. Faux

Born in Newark, N.J., to James A Hesson and Eleanor R. Coburn, Joan was educated at Saint Thomas the Apostle Grammar School in Bloomfield, N. J. and Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair, N. J. Upon graduation from high school, Joan entered East Orange General Hospital School of Nursing where she graduated as a registered nurse. Next, Joan joined the United States Army Nurse Corp. and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant, whereupon Joan served with distinction during the Korean conflict.

Like other devoted Irish women, Joan divided her time and energy among family, church, and cultural activities. Joan remains active in many areas such as the East Orange General Hospital Alumna Association, the Giblin Association, the McGovern Association, the Friends of Brian Boru, Inc., and the Newark St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee. Joan was the president of the Women of Irish Heritage in Essex County from 1989 to 1992 where she led with great distinction. In 1996 Joan was honored by the Friends of Brian Boru, Inc. being named Irish Woman of the Year and she was also honored for her outstanding dedication to the Frank McGovern Association in 2002.

Currently at the Jersey Shore, Joan continues to contribute her considerable skills to the Women of Irish Heritage of the Jersey Shore, Inc. through her guidance and years of experience. Joan is a Founding Member, Charter Member, Past Vice President, and presently Trustee of the Women of Irish Heritage, Inc. She is also a member of the James F. Ackerman Federation at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center, the Jerry Lynch Social & Civic Club, the Garden State Irish Festival, and the Belmar/Lake Como St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee.

Joan is very proud of the fact that her paternal grand-parents, John Hesson and Susan McKinley immigrated to New York from then London Derry, New Derry, in Northern Ireland in the late 1800's. Joan's maternal great grandfather, Bernard Kearney, an early graduate of Princeton University, opened and became the first headmaster of the first parochial school in Newark, N. J. which was then located on High Street in the 1800's.

Today Joan resides in Brick, N.J. and is the proud mother of Edward Strittmatter and mother-in-law of Kathy who also reside in Brick. Joan is a communicant of the Church of Saint William the Abbott in Howell, N.J. There can be no doubt that Joan is certainly well qualified to lead the biggest and best attended St. Patrick's Day Parade in the state of New Jersey!

May your heart be warm and happy
With the lilt of Irish laughter
Every day in every way
And forever and ever after!