Joan I. Seibert
Joan Irene Seibert
Surrounded by her loving husband of 75 years, and family of eight daughters, Joan Irene Seibert passed away peacefully on May 17th, 2023 at her home in Naples, Florida. Joan was 91 years old.
Joan was born on Veterans Day, November 11, 1931, in Philadelphia. She is predeceased by her parents Catherine and Peter Long, her brother Joseph Long (Bernadette), Catherine (Cass) Terpuluk (Peter), Sr. Jacqueline (Mary), and Rita Manns (Hubert). Joan’s father was a decorated police officer, whose accolades included the Philadelphia Inquirer Award for his adeptness in apprehending criminals. Her upbringing was deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, attending Catholic schools throughout her life, including Hallihan High School.
Joan’s youthful days were often spent riding the trolley alongside her mother or sitting on the stoop of her Philadelphian row home with her girlfriends. It’s quite possible that it was during these moments that she crossed paths with her future husband Bill, who, accompanied by his brothers from the neighboring Girard College, would casually stroll by. The tale of how she met Bill is a cherished family anecdote, told with great enthusiasm at every opportunity.
As the story goes, Joan attended a dance with a renowned soccer player named Joe and spotted a young man in the corner of the room whose face was adorned with lipstick marks. On walking home Joan inquired about this mysterious man and Joe graciously revealed his name to be Sib and offered to make introductions. It was just a couple months later, on a chilly evening, that Joan and Sib (Bill) shared their first warm kiss, marking the start of their 75-year love story. They often said “it all started with a cold nose.”
Joan and Bill journeyed together through life, making homes in various locations including Philadelphia and Blackwood, and ultimately ending up in Haddonfield NJ with their large family of eight daughters.
A woman of many talents, Joan was a secretary, a teacher, and a determined entrepreneur. She returned to college to enhance her education and, alongside Bill, initiated numerous business ventures. These included a creamy freeze in Sea Isle City where the family spent their summers, a burger restaurant off-shore, a jitney service, and even a bathing suit and sandals business. Joan also worked for Lillian Albus in Haddonfield before venturing out on her own to establish Joan I, a boutique specializing in Villager clothing.
In the midst of managing these endeavors, Joan and Bill were investing in real estate across NJ and Florida thus leading to another successful career.
Joan is survived by her husband Bill and eight daughters: Jacqueline Fessler (Michael-deceased), Kathleen Quigley (Richard-deceased), Joan Prassas (Ronald), Susan Steinberger (Gil), Darlene Keyser (Gary), Francine Loucks (Jim), Martha (Marcie) Steel (Rob), and Eileen Wambach (Bill). She is also survived by 27 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.
Although Joan’s life was an extraordinary one, she would say her most cherished role was as a loving wife to Bill, mother of eight strong women, and a grandmother, great-grandmother, and great great grandmother. Her strong Catholic faith helped her and Bill build a legacy of love that will last for many generations to come.
Joan’s family will receive friends on Saturday, May 27, 2023, from 10-10:45 am at Christ the King Church, 200 Windsor Ave. Haddonfield, NJ where her funeral mass will immediately follow at 11 am. Interment at Haddonfield Baptist Cemetery in Haddonfield, NJ. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Joan’s name may be made to the Fund for Girard College 2101 South College Ave. Philadelphia, Pa 19121.