Joan Stewart Hicks, 94

(September 12, 2021)

She believed in the power of love

Joan Stewart Hicks of Stonebridge in Montgomery lived a rich and committed life, deeply devoted to family, friends, and social justice. She died on September 12 at home, with her family by her side. She was 94 years old.

Born in Abington, Pennsylvania, Joan spent her early years in Huntington Valley, Pennsylvania and her adult and married years in Princeton. She spent the last 18 years with her wonderful friends at Stonebridge in Montgomery Township.

Brilliant, elegant, quick witted, and fun, Joan loved life, her family, and her friends. She experienced the world passionately through conversation, music, language and art. Joan was an engaged and entertaining conversationalist. You could be sure that she would listen to you attentively, be genuinely interested in your point of view, and ask thought-provoking questions.

Joan spent countless hours at her table reading, writing, painting and sketching, and connecting remotely with loved ones. When not at her table, Joan could be found at her keyboard, composing original tunes, or at her computer, firing off missives in English, French, and even, Spanish. Joan was deeply connected to her family's lives. She often pored over the pages of her atlas, tracking a loved one's travels.

Joan was drawn to life's adventures. From learning to fly planes to aid war efforts during WWII, to sailing around the globe with her beloved husband of 70 years, A.C. Reeves Hicks, and their five children (Andrea, Ted, Lindsey, Daren, and Libby), Joan explored life with a fierce curiosity and a desire to experience everything.

Joan was deeply committed to social justice. She treated all she knew with respect, dignity, and care. This was reflected in her relationships with family and friends, in her service to her community, and in her philanthropic efforts.

Joan was committed to her work with children at the Grant School in Trenton, the Stuart Country Day School in Princeton, the Rock Brook School in Skillman, as well as to her involvement with the Princeton Arts Council, the Princeton Public Library, the YWCA, where she helped run Soupcon, a cafe for incarcerated young women, and countless other community projects.

A lover of music, Joan was a long time supporter of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the New Jersey and Princeton symphonies. An avid tennis player, Joan played competitive youth tennis and was known locally for her wicked forehand. A loving wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Joan will be deeply missed.

She believed in the power of love, respect, and wit as avenues for making the world a better place. Joan was predeceased by her husband, Reeves, her son, Ted, and her sister, Patricia. Joan left us with the following thoughts: "So where am I going, what shall I do, send you some kisses, adieu adieu."

Donations in Joan's memory may be made to the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum in Montgomery Township or to the Boys and Girls Club of Mercer County.