Obituary of Joanne Bitar

Joanne Bitar (nee Nicola), age 64, of Cedar Grove, formerly of Little Falls, passed away on December 30, 2012 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Grand Rapids, MI to the late Joseph and Rose (Boosahda) Nicola. In addition to her role as a caring homemaker to her husband and children, she was extremely involved in all aspects of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Little Falls where her husband served as the priest before retiring last year. She was also the food services director for the Little Falls Board of Education. She was the beloved wife of Father Elias Bitar and the adored mother of Katrina Bitar, Sister Ignatia, Martha Klotz and her husband Michael and Antony Bitar. She was the dear sister of Barbara Thomas and her husband Steve, Nick Nicola and his wife Joanne, Bruce Nicola and his wife Kim, and the late Mona Bashara. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 5-9pm at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 237 Main St., Little Falls, NJ 07424. A funeral service will be offered on Thursday at 9am at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church. Burial will follow at Sacred Monastery of St. Nina, 9002 Clemsonville Rd., Union Bridge, MD. Memorial donations in Joanne's name may be sent to: St. George Antiochian Church 237 Longhill Road Little Falls, NJ 07424 or to Sacred Monastery of St. Nina 9002 Clemsonville Road Union Bridge, MD 21791