Joan M. Hall

Joan Marie Hall, the eldest of eight children, was born in Trenton, NJ on October 10,1934 to the late Lefone Crossland, Sr. and Rosa Van Harler Crossland. She lived in the Trenton/Lawrence area all her life, attending the New Lincoln School, Junior 5 and graduating from Trenton High School in 1952. On November 19, 1955 Joan married Henry Hall, and from this union two children, Marcia and Robert (Bobby), were born.

Joan was a homemaker during the early part of her children’s lives, also helping to care for a niece. Eventually she returned to the workforce, first as a sales clerk in children’s clothing stores and then as a paraprofessional for the Trenton Board of Education. Joan began as a teacher’s aide in the local Catholic school system, walking children from Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd to receive Title 1 services at Monument School. After a few years she transferred into the Trenton Public School System, working at Monument, Paul Robeson and Dunn Schools. She retired in 2002.

Foundational to Joan’s life were faith and family. She was married for 57 years to her beloved husband Henry, who preceded her in death in 2012. As was common at the time, Joan converted to Catholicism after marriage. Devout Catholics, they worked hard to instill the faith in their children, making sure both attended Catholic schools from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Joan left us a lively example of faith and works: she served her parish as a liturgical dancer, as well as a member of the choir, Liturgy Committee and Men’s and Women’s Organization. Following Henry’s passing, Joan showed incredible resilience, maintaining her independence and church participation for over a decade—a testament to her sharp mind and capable spirit—until her recent illnesses.

Joan was the "social architect" of her family, famous for organizing surprise parties, graduation celebrations, and festive holiday gatherings. She was a masterful hostess who ensured there was always plenty of food, music, and laughter. To Joan, life was meant to be celebrated, whether she was eating, laughing, or dancing. She also had a mischievous sense of humor - she would frequently point out something that was incongruous, then laugh uproariously.

Joan lived life with a vibrant energy. A passionate sports fan, she had no qualms about talking to people she didn’t know if they were wearing Giants paraphernalia! Her playful side was evident in her collection of Mickey Mouse figurines and watches. Joan liked to travel with her set, whether it was sightseeing, visiting family or going to the casino. She also enjoyed watching television, especially the news and classic crime dramas. Joan had a gift for making people smile and an even greater gift for making them feel remembered. She never missed an opportunity to acknowledge a special event with a card. Her home was a place where family and friends were always welcome, and she genuinely enjoyed interacting with everyone who walked through her door.

Joan was predeceased by her parents, husband Henry, son Robert, and brothers Lefone Jr. and Robert. She is survived by her daughter, Sister Marcia Hall, OSP and her daughter-in-law Sandra Hall; her five siblings - Martha Jones, William Crossland, Howard Crossland, Pamela McCloud and Larry Crossland; special sister-in-law Lorraine D. Hall and lifelong friend Barbara N. Lee; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and godchildren; her church family and others who will deeply miss her loving ways and zest for life.

Funeral Mass will be 11am Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Sacred Heart Church, 343 S. Broad St., Trenton, NJ 08608. Calling hours will be 9am until the time of service at the church. Interment will be 9:30am Friday, May 22, 2026 at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joan M. Hall, please visit our floral store.