Joan was born on February 1, 1954 to Anne Tirico Bauer and George Frederick Bauer. She was raised in Upper Montclair, attended the Montclair public schools for elementary school and graduated from Lacordaire Academy in 1972. She graduated from Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart in 1976, with a Bachelor of Music degree. She also studied at Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School in Montclair, NJ.

She moved to Bloomfield, NJ and worked for NJ Bell and Verizon Communications before retiring in 2004. She enjoyed music, Beagles, and spending time with friends.

She was predeceased by her father, George Bauer, mother, Anne Tirico Bauer and grandparents Rose and John Tirico. She is survived by her sister Elaine Zabriskie and brother-in-law John Zabriskie of Nutley.

Contributions in Joan's name may be made to SOS Beagle Rescue of Atco, NJ.