Marlene Joan Flanagan

Marlene Joan Flanagan

July 10, 1937 - February 22, 2026

Joan, daughter of the late John and Lucille Porciello, and wife to the love of her life for 69 years, the late Roger Flanagan, died peacefully on Sunday February 22, 2026. Joan is predeceased by her older brother Jacob (Jack) Porciello and her older sister Elizabeth (Betty) Bidart. She is survived by her two sons Roger Jr. and Robert Flanagan, their wives Candace and Christine and their four grandchildren, Kelly (and her husband Sean), Bobby (and his wife Jaclyn), Kristi(and her husband Mike) and Joshua. Roger and Joan were also blessed with seven great grandchildren: Patrick, Daniel, Christopher, Frank, Lukas, Donald and Cameron.

Joan spent most of her early years in Bloomfield, NJ where she met the love of her life Roger. Roger and Joan had a “storybook marriage”. As soon as Roger met Joan, he told her he was going to marry her and despite her initial response that she wasn’t getting married until she was 25, Roger stole her heart and she was married in 1956 at age 19. They shared a love anchored by commitment and dedication to one another. Their love brought forth their two beautiful sons whom they adored. Joan was so very proud of her boys. She was a big part of everything they did and she loved watching them become the incredible men they are today. And when Roger Jr and Bobby found the love of their lives, Joan was elated! Candace and Christine were the daughters she never had and she loved them dearly.

Roger and Joan made their home in Middlesex, NJ where Joan worked at Macy's department store and then at Ethicon, a division of J&J in the Quality Control Unit. Joan took her responsibilities at Ethicon very seriously. Working with surgical needles and sutures, she understood the critical and precise nature of her work and she took pride in the accomplishments of her department. She received numerous awards for excellence and was well respected by all. Even after retiring, Ethicon convinced her to come back as a consultant to train others in the field.

But Joan’s passion was her family. She loved having family and friends enjoy her home, her excellent cooking and especially their pool. Her door was always open and you knew you would always get the warmest welcome as soon as you entered. Roger and Joan lived for their grandchildren and great grandchildren! They made their life complete and nothing made them happier than when they called or came to visit. Joan’s life is a reflection of what it means to love family and friends to the fullest. Joan, may you rest in peace in the arms of Jesus. We love you!

We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the exceptional love and care Sunrise of Bridgwater Memory Care Staff provided to our mother. We are forever grateful for your support.

Family and friends are welcome to share her celebration of life on Friday, March 27th, 2026 with 10:00 AM Gathering and 10:30 Memorial Mass at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 208 Bound Brook Avenue, Piscataway, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

The Adult Day Center

872 East Main Street

Bridgewater, NJ 08807

All arrangements are under the care and supervision of Hagan-Chamberlain Funeral Home.