Joan L. Stefano
Joan L. Stefano, 87, of Phillipsburg, NJ, passed away peacefully at her residence on August 27, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born May 12, 1939, in Phillipsburg, she was the daughter of the late Christopher G. Baker and Katherine E. Kaffitz Baker. She was also predeceased by her husband, Michael Stefano Jr., granddaughter Jennifer Lynn Stefano, son-in-law, David B. Bowers Jr., and brothers; William and Christopher Baker
Joan grew up in Phillipsburg, NJ and graduated from Phillipsburg High School in 1958, she was a long-time member of St. Philip & St. James Catholic Church and had been employed at the “Five and Dime” in Phillipsburg as well as at the Care Center of Lopatcong.
She enjoyed family vacations at Long Beach Island, trips to the casino and family gatherings where her banana split cake was a legendary dessert enjoyed by all. She was always the life of the “party” and of course, she had her signature line: “You’re not the boss of me” Which she said it with attitude, humor, and that unmistakable spark in her eye. She had so much love in her heart for all and will be truly missed.
Survivors are her children; Michael Stefano III and wife Terri, Katherine Stefano, Nancy L. Stefano and spouse Floyd, Krista M. Bowers, and Scott P. Stefano, as well as grandchildren; Jessica Stefano, Nicholas Wallbillich, Kyle Steinmetz, Ryan Bowers, Korrin Bowers, Anthony Jordan, Marissa Alwell, Jasmine Stefano, and Amanda Stires, and chosen grandchildren Gregory Jr and Carley ; great grandchildren; Romeo, Julyan, Evan, Hailey, Cheynne, Jaxon, and Luca, a cousin, Helen Adler: as well as many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 6 – 8 pm at the Finegan Funeral Home at 302 Heckman Street in Phillipsburg. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday at 10 am at St. Philip & St. James Catholic Church, 430 South Main Street, also in Phillipsburg. The entombment will be at Holy Apostles Mausoleum in Greenwich Township, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.