Joan Hayles Romain

In lieu of flowers, please Donate If You Can:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-joan-a-gift-for-her-family?attribution_id=sl:539f6085-695b-41e2-9be0-808bdb9ed01d&lang=en_US&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=amp13_t1-amp14_t2-amp15_t2&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=native_options

PLEASE JOIN OUR LIVESTREAM ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 23rd, 10:00am:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84363142929?pwd=zwPCeMEIvVNIeN592dddaGsWjbVUWF.1

Joan Hayles Romain departed this life on July 13, 2025, at the age of 62 after a two-year battle with cancer. Joan was born on February 25, 1963 in Askenish in the parish of Hanover in Jamaica, the sixth of eight children and the only daughter born to Rupert Alexander Hayles Sr. and Doris Augustina Hayles. She grew up in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, Jamaica until 1980 when she emigrated with family to the United States. She resided in Trenton, New Jersey attending and graduating from Trenton Central High School. After high school Joan enrolled as an undergraduate at Kean College (now Kean University) in Elizabeth, NJ where she immersed herself in her studies and indulged in her love of the sciences. By 1988, she graduated from Kean with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry. She built a career in education, first as a teacher at her alma mater Trenton Central High and later at Mercer County Community College. She later married and moved to Hightstown and Princeton, NJ where she gave birth to her beautiful daughter Katherine Joan, her namesake. After Princeton, she resided in Scotch Plains, NJ until her passing in July 2025.

Joan shared a strong and lasting bond with her siblings—Barry, Donald, Derek (Monica), Fitz-Albert (Wendy), Rupert Jr. (Maryann), Vincent, and Colin—who all cherished their only sister. Donald, Vincent and her parents Rupert and Doris preceded her in death. She is also survived by her beloved daughter Katherine, son-in-law Matthew, grandsons Isaac and Elijah, ex-husband Felix, and many loving nieces, nephews, and close in-laws, all of whom will dearly miss her kindness, beaming smile and infectious laughter.

Joan had a boundless love for learning, especially through science books, and found joy in the simple pleasures of life—riding her bike, shopping, engaging in heartfelt conversations, and curling up with a good movie. Her love for reading and her natural curiosity made her a lifelong learner and an inspiring presence to those around her.

Her generous spirit, warmth, vibrant personality, and deep care for others leave an enduring legacy. Joan Hayles Romain will be remembered for the love she gave, the stories she told, and the lives she touched.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Family and friends are welcome to join in her memorial on Wednesday July 23rd from 9:00 am – 11:00 am at Las Rosas Bannworth Funeral Home located at 1055 E. Jersey Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07201.

Viewing is from 9:00 am – 10:00 am and the Funeral Service will begin immediately after at 10:00 am.

The interment will take place afterwards at Evergreen Cemetery & Crematory, 1137 N. Broad Street, Hillside, NJ 07205.