On April 29, 2023, Joan Alpert passed away in her home at the age of 98 1/2, following a brief illness.
She was surrounded by her family.
Joan was born in Worcester, Massachusetts and graduated from Bennington College where she distinguished herself as an artist.
She was happily married to Robert Alpert who predeceased her in 2002. Together they had 3 sons, 5 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren.
Joan flew airplanes when she was young and drove her car until she was 95. She was active in her chapter of Community without Walls, hosting monthly game nights and afternoon teas.
Joan was a resident of Princeton for over half a century. She was a legendary real estate agent – helping pioneer changes along U.S. 1 that transformed sod farms into offices and hotels. She found homes for generations of Princeton families and sold her last house at the age of 92.
Joan was a loving and formidable force every day of her life. Her doors were open to everyone.
Just two weeks before her passing, she hosted over 30 family members for a magnificent home cooked meal. And 3 days before her death, when the hospice worker arrived at the house, Joan accurately greeted her with “Didn’t I show you a house 34 years ago?”… flooring everyone in the room.
She lived fearlessly, creatively and generously.
Joan Alpert was an inspiration and will be missed by an enormous community.
She is buried in Princeton Cemetery along with the ashes of her husband.
The day of her death she sent down a double rainbow from heaven.
Funeral services and burial were held on April 30 at Princeton Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel. for condolences please visit Joan’s obituary page at OrlandsMemorialChapel.com
Beloved incredible Nana Joan…bright, creative, enthusiastic, loving, genuine, kind and insightful. I feel blessed to have had many interactions with her since Aaron and Rachel joined our families together. She’s an inspiration and role model on so many levels. During our last conversation she shared with me that she didn’t want to outlive her son (Andy) and I was left with a pit in my stomach this whole month sensing our beloved Andy’s passing exactly one month later. May their journeys be in peace, joined together and may you all feel their continued presence in your lives. With love and prayers, Ruth Anne