Joan Anne Dunphy O'Connor - 1932-2025

Joan Anne Dunphy O'Connor , 93, of Bordentown, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 in Walkersville, Maryland.  Born on May 4, 1932 in Trenton, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late James Richard Dunphy, Sr. and Bernadetta Marie Hines Dunphy.  Joan was the fourth of nine children (four boys and five girls) and remained close to her siblings throughout her life.

On May 20, 1950, she was united in marriage to Philip J. (Pop) O'Connor at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Bordentown. Together they built a loving home and raised four children: one son (Kevin) and three daughters (Erin, Tara and Meghan). Their marriage was a partnership marked by devotion and family until Philip's passing in 1981.

A lifelong resident of Bordentown, Joan graduated from Trenton Cathedral High School in 1949. She worked as a professional hair stylist in Bordentown and at the Township of Bordentown Municipal Hall where she was the assistant to the township administrator for many years until she retired. She was an accomplished seamstress who loved designing and sewing clothes at home.

Joan's greatest joy came from time spent with her family. A devoted mother, grandmother (Nana or Nana Joan to her grandchildren), and great-grandmother (Gigi to her great grandchildren), she was known for her warmth, compassion, and unwavering support. Joan traveled throughout the US and even journeyed as far as Korea in support of her family. Among her many talents, she became a legend in the family for successfully potty training all ten of her grandchildren--earning her a badge of honor that only a grandmother could wear with pride. She was also a loyal friend, admired and cherished by many. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A woman of strong Catholic faith, Joan was a long-standing member of Mary, Mother of the Church Parish-St. Mary's Church in Bordentown, where she found spiritual strength and community.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by her beloved son, Kevin J. O'Connor; her brothers Rev. Hubert Edward Dunphy, James Richard (Bud) Dunphy, and Richard (Dick) Dunphy; and her sister Eileen Small.

Joan is survived by her daughters: Erin Misner and husband Jeff, Tara Rogers and husband Edward, Meghan Auger and husband Tim; her grandchildren: Sean O'Connor and partner Forest Flager, Dr. Kevin Misner and wife Ashley, Ryan Misner and fiancée Fiorella Gomez, Kelly Misner, Kara Misner, Patrick Rogers and wife Amanda, Austin Auger, Connor Auger, Dr. Tarhyn Auger, Kevan Auger, step-grandchild Dana Hammill; great-grandchildren: Finn and Fiona Rogers, Aurora June Misner, and Fiadh Rae Flager, and step-great-grandchildren: Regan and Ryan Hancock.  She is also survived by her siblings: sisters Mary Ann Stokes and husband Mike Dutcher, Kathy Marasco, and Bernadette Alfrets and brother, Patrick Dunphy; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Joan shared a close and lasting bond with her cousin, Marie Malloy (née Brandbergh) and her sister-in-law Agnes Imlay (née Patercity), both of whom held a special place in her life.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 am Wednesday, July 30th at Mary, Mother of the Church Parish-St. Mary's Church 45 Crosswicks Street, Bordentown, NJ.  Inurnment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Cemetery Lane, Bordentown, NJ.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Frederick Health Hospice, Dr. Brooke Lubinski, and caregivers, Melissa Martin, Sherry Pitt, and Miranda Martin (her angels on earth) for their kindness and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joan's memory to Mary, Mother of the Church Parish-St. Mary's Church, Bordentown, NJ.

Arrangements are under the direction of Peppler Funeral Home, 122 Crosswicks Street, Bordentown, NJ  08505.