My role models growing up may have not been the norm but they definitely made an impact on my neophyte Liz-bian self. People I looked up to ran the gamut from free spirited spiritual leaders on the church camp beach to strongly independent, sapphic, pagan classical singers. As I age, I continue to meet varied spirits who leave a lasting and influential impression. I count myself lucky to have sung with alto extraordinaire Joan MacPherson in the Newark Cathedral Choir. She was talented, kind, witty, out of pocket, and part of the music tribe I relate to so well. Even when I was a sub at the cathedral 20 years ago, she needlepointed me a lovely ornament. Joanie has joined the heavenly choir She will be missed. I can only hope she knows how much she meant and how much she will always be loved. #tribe #rip #singwiththeangels #HeavenlyChoir #joanie
Joan M. MacPherson Obituary
https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/34361210/joan-m.-macpherson
Joan MacPherson (nee Aslanian), 93, passed away peacefully on January 8th, 2025 at Center for Hope Hospice, Scotch Plains, NJ. Born to the late John G. Aslanian Sr, an immigrant from Armenia, and the late Jane Kaljian of Woodside, NY. Joan grew up in Jersey City, NJ graduating from Snyder High School. She met her husband, US Army Staff Sergeant and Vietnam Veteran, Frank MacPherson, while they were both working at Fort Monmouth, NJ. They returned to Jersey City after years of living abroad and around the United States stationed at various Army installations. She loved her years spent in Germany, Colorado, and Texas. All her life, Joan’s passion and talent was singing, especially opera. She performed with several groups in the US as well as overseas while an Army wife. For over a decade nearing the end of her life, Joan was a member of the professional choir of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, NJ.
Joan is predeceased by her parents, John and Jane, husband, Frank, and brother John G. Aslanian Jr. of Cranford, NJ. She is survived by her loving sister Marilyn Calabro (Thomas) of Brooklyn, NY, niece, Lisa Contarino (Al) of Selden, NY, nephew, Thomas Calabro (Amy) of St. John’s, FL, nephew, John G. Aslanian IV (Laura) of Cranford, NJ, several great nephews, and great niece.
A private viewing will take place at Dooley Funeral Home, 218 North Ave. West, Cranford, NJ, 07016. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a mass of Christian burial at 10am on Wednesday, January 15th, 2025 at St. Michael’s Church, 252 9th St, Jersey City, NJ. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 340 Ridge Rd, North Arlington, NJ 07031.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Center for Hope Hospice & Palliative Care, 1900 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076.
“Music, once admitted to the soul, becomes a sort of spirit, and never dies.” -Edward Bulwer-Lytton
“Mournful and yet grand is the destiny of the artist.” -Franz Liszt
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