Obituary of Joanne Drastal

With profound sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, Joanne Drastal, on April 23^rd, 2025. She was surrounded by love and left us with cherished memories.

Joanne (Borsky) Drastal was born in Elizabeth, NJ, in 1936 to Joe and Lucille Borsky, who encouraged their firstborn to never settle for the ordinary. She grew up in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, where she made many lifelong friends. At the age of 17, Joanne ventured out to obtain her private pilot license, a bold step for a young woman in 1953. This was just the beginning of a life filled with adventure, travel, sports, and, most importantly, family. Joanne had a natural ability to make friends, and her children grew up surrounded by many aunts, uncles, and cousins who, though not all related by blood, were all considered family.  All holidays and family events were celebrated at her home with plenty of baked ziti in the oven, surrounded by family from coast to coast.

After high school, Joanne worked as a secretary for the New Jersey Railroad. Soon after, she met and [eventually] married Edward Drastal in 1958. Together, they built a successful construction company. While raising their five children, Joanne went back to school to study architecture and design. She embarked on a successful career as a Kitchen Designer and retired in 2015 from Design Line Kitchens.

Travel was one of Joanne's passions. From family trips to visit relatives, ski trips, weekend getaways, and international vacations, she was the driving force behind the epic Drastal Summer Vacation of 1974, where the entire family spent two and a half months traveling across the US and Canada. They camped and drove through the western US and Canada, visiting all the national parks and any sights worth seeing. After her retirement, Joanne continued to travel the world, sailing the British Virgin Islands and traveling to Europe, Alaska, and Africa, often accompanied by her niece Wendy Drastal.

Joanne also had a love for dogs and always had a canine companion throughout her life. She bred and raised collies and was a wonderful dog mom to her furry family.

Joanne's greatest role was as 'Grams' to her seven grandchildren: Meghan, Kim, Matt, Liz, Sam, Alex, and McKenna. They brought her immense joy, and she cherished the time spent with them. Sleepovers were legendary, and she spoiled them with love and care and taught each of them the jitterbug. She always made time for them, and they always wanted to spend time with her.

Joanne was predeceased by her parents, Joe and Lucille Borsky, her ex-husband Edward Drastal, her brother Joseph Borsky, her son Scott Drastal, and her daughter Cindy Drastal. She is survived by her brother, Paul Borsky and wife Kathy, brother Buzz Borsky and wife Sue, son John Drastal and his wife Sue, son Brian Drastal and wife Suzanne, daughter Jackie Colella, son-in-law Steve Colella, and all her grandchildren: Meghan, Kim, Matt, Liz, Sam, Alex, and McKenna.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cranberry Hospice for their amazing support, guidance, and many dedicated hours in her final weeks.  A celebration of life will be held in New Jersey on June 14^th [details will follow].