Joan was born in Queens to her late parents, Edwin and Margaret (nee Ryan) Seidel. She was raised in Queens, and after her schooling worked in the payroll department of Ideal Toys on Jamaica Avenue. She met a young man by the name of Robert Rebholz, who was employed there as a model maker, and friendship blossomed. Joan and Robert married, and settled for a while in Queens. With a job change for Robert, they moved to Philadelphia where their first son, Raymond, was born. The family made another move to New Jersey, welcoming their second son, Stephen, and a few months later in 1964, made a final move to their home in Copiague.
Joan remained at home to raise her sons, then re-entered the workforce, beginning a long career with Copiague Public Schools. She began at Scudder Avenue School as a cafeteria aide, and then rose to Receptionist at Great Neck Road and Susan E. Wiley schools. Later, after taking required exams, she became Secretary and Senior Stenographer in the Guidance Department at (the then) Copiague High School.
Her son, Stephen, remembers his Mom as the “sweetest and toughest woman I’ve ever met”, recalling the strength his mother had in tough times, with a love for her family where she instilled in them the values of life, love and faith. Joan supported Stephen for many years as he coached Copiague basketball. She served as “co-pilot” to her daughter-in-law, Jodi, as they attended all of the games Stephen led. Her caring for others was never more evident in the love she gave to so many boys who were members of the basketball team, and how much she received in return.
When she had downtime, Joan enjoyed being at the Copiague Library where she was a member of book discussions and craft classes. She had a close-knit group of former co-workers who became friends, and called themselves the “housewives club”. These ladies looked forward to meeting at local restaurants to catch up with one another, and it was an event Joan so enjoyed. She had an affection for Tanner Park, where she would sit by the water and read; and where her sons recall her motto of “throwing your troubles in the bay.” During a brief stay at the Bristal, Joan loved to play their version of volleyball. Joan was a faithful member of Our Lady of the Assumption Church, where she was a member of the Rosarians.
In addition to her parents, Joan is predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert. Surviving are her sons – Raymond and her daughter-in-law, Deidre; and Stephen and her daughter-in-law, Jodi; her granddaughter, Angharad Rebholz and her husband, Michael Blaakman; and her grandson, Jameson Rebholz.
Family and friends will gather at the funeral home on Sunday, December 22 from 2:00-4:30 and 7:00-9:30 p.m. At 8:00 p.m., Deacon Phil Mills will offer the Catholic Wake Service. The Funeral Mass will be offered on Monday at 9:45 a.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Copiague. Interment will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park.
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