Joan Roberta Katz

Joan Roberta (Silverman) Katz passed away on December 21st 2023 leaving behind a legacy of love, friendship and family. Joan is survived by her Husband of 61 years Myron “Mike” Katz, sons Jeremy and Ross, daughters in law Jennifer Barten-Katz and Jennifer Rust-Katz and grandchildren Avery, Hayden, Samantha and Ethan. The daughter of Leo and Shirley Silverman and brother of Donald “Uncle Duck” Silverman.

Joan lived on Yellowstone Boulevard in Forrest Hills Queens for most of her youth and spent summers in Long Beach, NY. The Silverman’s packed their bags and made the move to Long Beach when Joan was a teenager where she made an extensive group of lifelong friends.

Myron’s family also spent summers in Long Beach to escape the heat of Brooklyn. Joan and Myron were set up on a blind date, fell in love and were soon married at the Monaco in Lido Beach. The newlyweds set up roots on Franklin Boulevard and welcomed little Jeremy followed by a move to Roosevelt Boulevard and soon welcomed baby Ross. Joan’s front door was never locked and there was always a friend or relative coming to visit. Joan was a life member of Haddassah and crowned the unofficial queen of Long Beach with friends, family and community abound.

In 1979 the Katz’s packed their bags and made the move to Merrick where she continued to weave her tapestry of friends, family and community. Joan’s life adventure included travel to most of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Israel. She loved being Jewish and couldn’t get enough of Jewish culture and traditions including studying and having her bat mitzvah in her 40’s.

Joan is resting in the hands of God and dancing the Horah with all her dear deceased loved ones. She would love you to close your eyes, think of a special memory you shared and say her name out loud with a smile. Enjoy life, love your people and remember it’s never too late but it’s later than you think. In lieu of flowers please consider planting a tree in Israel in her honor (JNF Plant A Tree | Jewish National Fund-USA).