Joy M. Barta of Franklin, N.J., passed away on Sunday Jan. 10, 2021, at Hackensack Medical Center. She was 74.
Joy was born on Sept. 3, 1946 in Pompton Plains, N.J., to Harold and Pauline Whritenour of West Milford, N.J. She was predeceased by her husband, Barry, in 2017.
Joy is survived by her two sons, Michael Barta and his wife, Kathryn, of Hardyston, N.J., as well as Matthew Barta and his wife Jada of Warwick, N.Y. Her cherished grandchildren, Andrew, Jason and Skyler have always enjoyed doing homework, working out puzzles, and reading a good book together. She will also be missed by her siblings, Kenneth Whritenour and his wife Sarina of West Milford, Rose Lovas and her husband, Edward, of Florida, and Michael Whritenour and his wife, Debbie, of Florida, as well as her nieces and nephews.
Joy was a primary teacher for the Sussex-Wantage Board of Education for 42 years, retiring in 2010. Colleagues and students both share stories of how exemplary she was as a teacher especially in science. Everyone knew her as the “Boxtops Queen,” collecting thousands of dollars for the benefit of her school.
Joy was a member of the Franklin Senior Citizens and the VFW Post 8441 Wallkill Valley Memorial Post, Vernon, N.J.. She loved a good bargain while shopping and could often be found with a pouch full of coupons.
Relatives and friends will be received on Thursday, Jan. 14, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the F. John Ramsey Funeral Home One Main St., Franklin, N.J. The family will gather at the funeral home on Friday, Jan. 15, at 10 a.m. for an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial service at the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Franklin. The committal and interment service will follow at Northern New Jersey Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Sparta, N.J.
Joy’s passion of working with children and helping others was evident to all that knew her. In remembrance of Joy’s love and dedication to teaching a scholarship fund will be created to support the higher education of a Wallkill Valley High School senior pursuing a future career in the field of education. Please make checks out to Wallkill Valley High School care of Joy Barta Future Educators Fund, 10 Grumm Rd Hamburg, NJ 07419.