Joan Etta Ginsberg

Mrs. Joan Ginsberg was reunited with her beloved husband, Herb Ginsberg, on Monday, September 13, 2021. While her loved ones are saddened by her passing, they know she is finally at peace after her long-fought battle with Dementia and other health issues.

Joan was born and raised in Pennsylvania and eventually relocated to Maryland. She married Herb, the love of her life, and together they raised their family in Bowie until his untimely death. Joan is survived by her loving and devoted children, Barry (Ricki), Joel, Hope (Derek), and Lorna (JR). She was an adored Bubbie to Kimberly (Evan), Brittany (Matt), Amy (Ryan), Karley, Jayson (Kelsey), Alyssa and Cameron and seven great grandchildren. Joan is also survived by her sister Linda, nieces and a nephew.

Family and friends were an important part of Joan’s life. While living in Bowie, she was an active member of Temple Solel, Temple Solel Sisterhood, and Hadassah and was involved with fund raising for various charities to include the March of Dimes and Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). During this time, Joan became friends with many people who were an integral part of her life up until the time of her passing.

Joan always enjoyed getting together with family and friends and especially enjoyed hosting gatherings in her home. It didn’t matter whether it was a Mah Jongg game, celebrating one of her children’s important milestones or a holiday celebration, Joan worked tirelessly (along with the begrudgingly support of her children) to ensure the event was perfect. Many wonderful memories were made sitting around the dining room table or living room, hanging around the downstairs fireplace or enjoying the backyard patio.

After her husband’s passing, Joan continued to live in Bowie while working at the Department of Agriculture. In addition to spending time with loved ones, anyone who knew Joan knew two other favorite pastimes for her were going out to eat and playing the one-armed bandits. She enjoyed all types of food, especially seafood and Chinese food. And her children fulfilled one of her dreams when they surprised her with a family trip to Las Vegas for one of her birthdays.

Later on, after a courageous battle with Breast Cancer, Joan retired from the government and moved in with one of her children and their family. After eight years, Joan moved into an apartment until her Dementia diagnosis. Following the diagnosis, Joan moved into Assisted Living and resided there until her passing. The transition to Assisted Living was made more difficult for Joan because it meant she had to give up her beloved cat, Gizmo. Fortunately, Gizmo has been in the loving care of one of Joan’s children since her move into Assisted Living.

A celebration of life will be held at Donald V. Borgwardt Funeral Home in Beltsville, MD at 9:30AM on Sunday, September 19 and the burial will take place at King David Memorial Gardens in Falls Church, VA.  In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the American Breast Cancer Society or to Fidgets and More. This is an organization of community members sharing their skills and materials to create fidget/sensory aprons and lap blankets as gifts to local residents in memory units. Donations will be used to create aprons in Joan’s memory. For more information about Fidgets and More and making a donation, please contact Hope.

Since family and friends were so important to Joan, we welcome you to share your personal stories.

Bubbie – by JR Ramey

As a new Son-in-law who is 9 years older than her youngest daughter and bringing in my own 3-year-old daughter to the marriage, Joan welcomed us with open arms. My daughter and I remember her generosity, both of us remember all the cloths she bought for my daughter.

Once we traveled to Las Vegas for Joan’s 60th birthday, I was at breakfast with her and I was sulking about my loses and having no money left. Joan handed me $300 so I could play, luckily, I won that day and returned her money.

Even after Dementia began to dominate her seemed to remember who I was.