Joan M. Rowley

Joan is survived by her loving husband and partner in humor of 38 years, Raymond E. Reilly; her daughter, Erin Reilly Barra (Mark); her son, Nicholas A. Reilly; her step-son Paul Reilly (Noreen); and four grandchildren, Kayla, Salvatore, Luciano & Joseph. She is also survived by her brothers, Dr. Edwin N. Rowley (Alicia) and Sean V. Rowley (Linda); her sister, Susan Rowley (Donna Aceto); and numerous nieces, nephews, grand- nieces and grand-nephews as well as other family and friends.

Joanie was proud of her Brooklyn roots. She was born in Methodist Hospital, Park Slope, where the attending at her birth, Dr. Stanley Hall, was also the attending at her mother’s birth. She attended St. Saviour’s Elementary School and went on to graduate from Bishop McDonnell High School for Girls where she began her leadership training as captain of the cheerleaders. Joan received her bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University, her nursing degree from Kings County Nursing Program and her master’s degree from Central Michigan University. She was a proud member of a number of professional associations and honor societies and a parishioner of the Church of St. Christopher and St. Margaret Mary.

Joan was a passionate and unrelenting advocate for nurses and quality patient care. She served as an ICU nurse for 38 years at Long Island College Hospital, Brooklyn, NY, where she was a precept, mentoring numerous nurses over the years. Joan was a fearless union organizer and in the state leadership of the New York State Nurses Association. Please see NYSNA In Memoriam: NYSNA.org.

Joan was also deeply committed to advocating for the rights for the mentally disabled. Joan was an active board member of National Alliance on Mental Illness Staten Island (NAMI Staten Island), a member of the Association of Boards of Visitors New York State Facilities for the Mentally Disabled, and a board member of the Sky Light Center on Staten Island.

Joanie had an infectious laugh and a quick-wit. Her “one woman one vote” email address reflected her feminism and her cleverness. A lover of nature, she reveled in gardening, camping in the Berkshires and being a member of the Staten Island Ski Club.

Joanie’s optimism often lit the darkness and carried many through tough times. Joanie brought energy and warmth wherever she went, touching lives and making our world a better place. We will continue to love her and honor her legacy with pride.

Instead of flowers, donations may be made to NAMI Staten Island or your favorite charity.

A funeral service for Joan will be held Wednesday, June 2, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Christopher's Church, 140 Midland Ave, Staten Island, NY 10306. Following the funeral service will be a committal service from 11:30 AM in Moravian Cemetery, 2205 Richmond Road, Staten Island, NY 10306.