Joanne Runyon

Joanne Runyon, 84, of Lakewood, NJ passed away peacefully at home on September 26th, 2026. She was born in Newark, NJ and lived in Toms River and Beachwood before moving to Lakewood 20 years ago. Joanne graduated High School and worked for many years at the Quality Inn as an Event Coordinator until retirement. She was a faithful member of Toms River Presbyterian Church.

Joanne was predeceased by her beloved husband, Geoffrey Runyon, with whom she shared 61 wonderful years of marriage; her daughter, Susan Runyon; her parents, Joseph and Anna Perry; and her siblings, Joey Perry and Elayne Black.

She is survived by her brother, Billy Perry, and his wife, Jo Ann; her beloved daughter, Jennifer Bruett, and her husband, Scott; her cherished grandchildren, Cory, Jasmine, Heather, Katie, Victorria, and Scotty; and her three great-grandchildren, Nora, Jonathan, and Jade.

Joanne was a force, a character, and the life of the party. She was the kind of person who made everyone feel seen. She cared deeply for others, which often meant asking a lot of questions, usually the ones no one else was bold enough to ask. More than anything, Joanne was unapologetically herself.

Be in bed by 7 p.m., because she valued her rest. Be prompt, because she valued time. Be silly, because life is too short not to be. And if you were sitting alone in the corner at a party, Joanne might just make your lap her new seat. Because she could.

She said what was on her mind, loved with her whole heart, and found joy in simply living. Walks on the beach, hosting dinner parties, a glass of wine with the people she loved, laughter, dancing, and family gatherings all held meaning. Even her famously over the top goodbyes were an expression of love, standing outside and waving every limb until your car disappeared from sight.

Joanne felt deeply and wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable. She shared the truths she learned throughout her life, including that motherhood could be both hard and incredibly rewarding, but that there was also so much more to being a woman than that one title. She told stories of sneaking away with her best friend, Diane Aumack, for shopping and dancing, or playing chicken in the pool with Geoff and the Aumacks. If you know, you know. She cherished every version of herself and every chapter she was blessed to live.

Everyone had a special place with Nana, from family and friends to strangers who simply happened to cross her path. She wore her heart on her sleeve, and every emotion showed on her face. If she was happy, you knew it. And if she was mad, you definitely knew it. But she never loved you any less.

She lived fully, loved deeply, and made sure the people around her knew just how much they meant to her.