Joanna Marge

Joanna Marge, 97 years old, of River Edge, passed away on June 10, 2026 in Englewood, NJ. She is survived by sons Charles (Teri) and George (Gay) Marge. She is also survived by her four grandsons, Thomas, Anthony, Gabriel, and Chad Marge. She was predeceased by her husband of 25 years, George (Sr.). Joanna was born in Dayton, Ohio, the only child of Russell and Charlotte (Olt) Crist. She grew up in Detroit during the Great Depression and then World War II, experiences that would shape her world view. She was accepted into Northwestern University and the University of Michigan, but after graduating high school, she decided to study ballet in Chicago for four years. As a professional, she danced on three national tours with the Ballet Russe de Monte-Carlo Concert Company in the early 1950’s and then performed for five years as a member of the Corps de Ballet at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, where she met her future husband, George, a woodwind musician playing in the pit orchestra. They married six months later in 1960. She retired from dancing to raise her two sons. After her husband’s sudden passing, she worked at Hudson City Savings Bank (now M&T Bank) as an administrative assistant until her retirement. She was an avid vocalist, singing in the choir of St. Anthony Orthodox Church in Bergenfield for over 50 years and performing and touring internationally with the Ars Musica Chorale for many years. She lived an active life into her 90’s, taking weekly lessons in voice and Tai Chi and serving as the St. Anthony Choir librarian. She was also a Dame Commander in the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch. Most of all, she was known for her kindness, faith, bright smile, and infectious laugh. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday June 14 from 3p – 7p at the Barrett Funeral Home, 148 Dean Drive, Tenafly. Joanna’s funeral service will be held on Monday, June 15 at 11:00 am at St. Anthony Orthodox Church, 185 Ivy Lane, Bergenfield. Burial will follow in the George Washington Memorial Park, 234 Paramus Road, Paramus. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joanna’s memory to St. Anthony Orthodox Church (www.stanthonybergen.com) or the George Marge Scholarship Fund, Eastman School of Music (esm.rochester.edu).

Joanna Marge

April 9, 1929 - June 10, 2026