Say Hello to Joan

Portrait of Joan P.

Name: Joan P.

Lived In: Newark, New Jersey

Birth Year: 1938

Resident Of: Monarch Bella Terra

Resilient Spirit. Dedicated Worker. Laughter Enthusiast.

Most Likely to Share a Wise Word

Quote: “Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.” – Helen Keller

Monarch Moment: Celebrating 30 years alcohol- and tobacco-free.

Some lessons in life must be lived to be learned—Joan P. knows this better than most. A Newark native, she built her career at NJ Bell, where she worked her way up from a typist in the legal department to a service representative in the business office. But her biggest personal achievement isn’t found in a résumé—it’s her 30-year journey of sobriety, a milestone she celebrates every day.

Joan has always valued wisdom and resilience, and if she could give her younger self any advice, she’d remind her to find joy in the simple things. Her fondest memories are of camping trips in Seaside City, New Jersey, and she believes laughter is one of life’s greatest medicines. “Laughter is good for the soul,” she says, and she makes sure to indulge in it often.

At Monarch Bella Terra, Joan stays active with exercise classes and enjoys being part of a community where every day brings a new opportunity to learn, grow, and share a smile.