Joyce (McLaren) Creteau

Joyce McLaren Creteau, 74, of Piscataway, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on May 27, 2025.
Born on March 3, 1951, in Norwood, Massachusetts, Joyce was the daughter of the late Geraldine and Robert McLaren. She was the third of four siblings, preceded in death by her brother, Robert, and survived by her sisters, Jana Klinger of Copley, Pennsylvania, and Jane Ann Onstead of Tennessee.
Joyce spent her early years in Allentown, Pennsylvania, later moving to Raritan, and then Somerville, New Jersey, where she graduated from Somerville High School in 1969. She went on to earn her secretarial degree from the Modern Secretary School at Somerset County Technical Institute.
She met the love of her life, Robert Creteau, in 1971, and they were married in 1973. Joyce worked at MIC Insurance before becoming a devoted mother to her two sons, Richard and Andrew. She was an enthusiastic supporter of her sons’ sports and served as a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts. After several years as a full-time mother, Joyce returned to the workforce at Rutgers University, where she eventually became the business manager for the Bureau of Engineering until her retirement.
Joyce enjoyed exploring the world with her husband and family — from Hawaii to Ireland to France. She cherished the twice-yearly getaways to Vermont with her lifelong friends. A gifted knitter, she created beautiful blankets and clothing for her loved ones. She was also an avid reader and an active participant in her book club. Joyce is survived by her loving husband, Robert Creteau; her sons, Richard Creteau and his wife Monica; Andrew Creteau and his wife Laura; and her cherished grandchildren, Kylie, Maeve, and Molly. Along with her sisters, she is also survived by her sister-in-law and brother- in-law Joan and Russell Perna; sister-in-law, Jan McLaren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her service of Christian Burial on Friday, June 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Sheenan Funeral Home. Burial will be private. A visitation will be held on Thursday evening, June 5, 2025 from 5 to 7:00 PM and Friday morning from 10 to 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gift of Life Howie’s House in Philadelphia. Donate online by visiting https://support.giftoflifehowieshouse.org
 

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