Joanne Safer Collerd

11/30/2008

Joanne Safer Collerd age 49 on Sunday, November 30, 2008 of Packanack Lake, Wayne. She died quietly and peacefully while receiving the loving care of her family. Her death took place after a courageous long term battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

She was born in Jersey City and had lived in Wayne for the past forty-two years.

Joanne was formerly employed at State Farm Insurance Company for five years as a Records Clerk.

Joanne received her formal education first at the Packanack Grammar School and then at Wayne Valley High School graduating with the Class of 1976. She then went on to Berkley-Catherine Gibbs Business College in Ridgewood.

Perhaps her best hobby and pastime was watching every Yankee game she possible could. The Yankees will miss her wonderful and spirited cheering.

Joanne was afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of fourteen when the first symptoms became apparent. The first symptoms suddenly went into remission and it appeared that her health was restored. On her wedding day as she walked down the isle of church it once more surfaced. Then for a time the symptoms went into remission again and then a nurse at State Farm Insurance Company, her employer, noticed her equilibrium was evidencing something and indeed her illness returned and devastated her health for the rest of her life. As this very debilitating disease took it’s course Joanne never complained and was never angry about what this disease was doing to her. She took the course of this disease with acceptance.

Joanne was gifted with a quiet and accepting personality and was always happy.

Perhaps the most beautiful part of Joanne’s life journey was the care she received for over twenty years by her parents. It is often said that a mother’s love is one of the most powerful of gifts and Joanne experienced the power of both her parents love in such a beautiful way. No sacrifice of time, talents and giving can compare with what Ruth and Edward did for their daughter. Joanne was truly and meaningfully blessed with their love and caring throughout her illness and up to the end of her life.

Two very special people came into the Safer family’s life to provide aid to Joanne in her autumn days and those special people were named Sarah Snead and Anna Ora.

The Wayne community will recall that on November 28, 2004 as the Safer family returned from a shopping trip their entire home was in flames and they lost their home and possessions. As they rebuilt their home it was designed with many features to provide for their special daughter Joanne.

Surviving are her Mother and Father Edward T. Safer Sr. and Ruth M. Safer; one sister Ruth Ellen Ward and husband Stan of West Caldwell ; two brothers Edward Safer Jr and his wife Lori of Galloway Township and Bob Safer and his wife Doreen of West Milford Township; Aunts Doris Cabany, Renee McCoy, Beverly Smith, Margaret Reid and Uncles Bill Cortese and Charlie Graber; and several cousins, nieces and nephews including; Samantha, Marissa, Rachel, Dylan, Robert E.J., Kali and Jonathan Safer and Casey and Shannon Ward.

Joanne was pre deceased by her husband Joseph Blidgett and her Aunt and Godmother Judith Cortese and Uncle Charles Reid.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 10 AM at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne.

Friends may visit with the family at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2-4, 7-9 PM.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Joanne’s memory are asked to consider the Passaic Valley Hospice, 783 N. Riverview Drive, Totowa, NJ 07512 or Joni and Friends International Disability Center, PO. Box 2222, Akron, Ohio 44309.