Joan Trank (nee Ahern) of Dumont passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026. She was 90 years old.
Joan was the beloved wife of the late Thomas Trank; devoted and loving mother of her daughters Jo Ann Presky, Mary Trank, Eileen Sheehan and her husband John; cherished grandmother of Sarah Lachenauer and her husband Jeff, William Presky, Andrew, Caroline and Christopher Sheehan; blessed great grandmother of Chase and Logan Lachenauer; dear sister of Maureen Reynolds and Jack Ahern. Joan was predeceased by her loving brother Michael Ahern and sister Ann Ahern.
Joan was born in New York City, the daughter of Josephine (nee) O’Halloran, of Athea, County Limerick, Ireland, and John Ahern, of Newtownsandes, County Kerry, Ireland. Joan grew up in Manhattan and attended Holy Name Grammar School and Blessed Sacrament High School. After marrying in 1957 she lived in the Bronx and moved to Dumont in 1968.
While raising her children, Joan pursued a nursing degree. She attended Bergen Community College, graduated as a registered nurse, and went on to St. Peter’s University to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Joan proudly worked 25 years as a staff nurse at Bergen Regional Medical Center. After retiring, she worked as a substitute teacher and school nurse in Bergenfield and Tenafly.
Joan loved hosting family holidays and made all her children and grandchildren beautiful, festive ornaments which everyone will always cherish. Joan enjoyed traveling with her husband, Tommy. They spent many joyful evenings attending events and dances at the Knights of Columbus in Dumont. After retirement they enjoyed playing cards with their friends at the Dumont Senior Center.
Joan took immense pleasure in her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great grandchildren’s accomplishments, and we will miss the delight and passion she brought to hearing about our days.
The family will receive visitors Thursday, March 12th, from 3-7 pm at Frech-McKnight Funeral Home, 161 Washington Avenue, Dumont. The funeral Mass is Friday, March 13th at 10 am, St. Mary’s Church, 280 Washington Avenue, Dumont. Interment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus.