Joanne Pepe, 62, passed away peacefully at home on August 6, 2019 with her family at her side.
Joanne was born to Joseph and Nancy Pepe in Newark, NJ. Her family with her younger brother, Nicholas, later moved to Nutley, NJ where they resided for a number of years. Joanne made a loving home in Hoboken, NJ with her partner Vicki and their beloved dogs. Joanne was a graduate of Montclair State University, later receiving a degree from NJIT where she went on to work in the Cellular industry and finally a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Caldwell College.
Joanne started her work life in the business world but found over time her heart was in education and found a home at Hoboken High School. She loved working with all her students and always tried to inspire them with a ‘nothing is impossible if you work at it’ attitude. Joanne also ran a dog grooming shop with her partner Vicki for a number of years in Hoboken that brought her great joy and an extended family. Their constant support and kindness was a great source of strength and comfort to her always.
Joanne is survived by her mother, Nancy, her brother, Nicholas and his wife Debra, as well as their children: Kristin, Brian, Nicholas, Christopher, Brendan and Devin, as well as a great niece, Sienna. All her nieces and nephews were her pride and joy in life, just to mention their names brought a smile to her face.
Joanne loved to live life to the fullest and never stopped learning, teaching and caring.
Visitation for Joanne will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at 11:00 AM at St. Francis Catholic Church in Hoboken (corner of Third and Jefferson Streets, parking lot on opposite corner). A Funeral Mass will be held immediately following at St. Francis Church at 12:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests for donations to be sent to the following in the name of Joanne Pepe. Please make sure to make note of her name on checks to ensure the donations go to the correct program.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Office of Development
Attn: Rachel Flannery
PO Box 27106
New York, NY 10087
I had the pleasure of initially meeting Joanne through her dog grooming business. Our paths would cross again a few years later through the Hoboken Public Schools. She was such a kind soul. One of those people who you feel like you knew forever. There was one time I had been in an accident after picking up my dog. I shared this with Joanne the next time I saw her. Her response – “you should have called me. I would have come to get you!” I wish her family nothing but love during this difficult time.
I a retired clerk a HHS had the pleasure of working with Ms. Pepe until 2013. She was kind and a caring teacher to all her students. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE!
Carolyn Pasculli
The lucky one is what you considered yourself, to have Joanne as a friend. All my love forever, Caren Duda and Family.
Joanne was a dear friend of mine from NHS! We shared many classes together, and it’s a very sad day learning the light of Joanne has gone out! We played intramural softball together too!! Prayers, love and sympathy are being sent to all the Pepe family from me!! Hugs and love to all! Love, Jane Makurat Spencer now in Tampa, FL