Obituary of Mary Joan Sauer

Mary Joan Sauer, 94 of Basking Ridge, NJ passed away on July 15th 2026 at McAuley Hall Health Care Center in Watchung, NJ

Visitation will be held at Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge N.J., on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00pm. Funeral Mass will be held at St. James Church. 184 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:00am. Burial will follow Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, NJ.

Joan was born in Newark, N.J. to Joseph & Gertrude Basewit on July 10, 1932. She attended East Orange High School. She went on to Business school and was subsequently employed as a secretary in the insurance industry. Shortly after she met her future husband Ted Sauer and they married on September 4, 1954. Joan and Ted had 4 children while residing in Green Brook, NJ. She was active in the church and local community. She was a girl scout leader, President of St. Luke’s Altar Rosary Society, was involved in numerous clubs and enjoyed various hobbies.

Joan is survived by her 4 children: Robert Sauer and his wife Laurie from West Windsor, NJ, Jeanne Cocuzza and her husband Frank of Basking Ridge, NJ, James Sauer and his wife Jacqueline of Marathon, Florida, and Richard Sauer of North Plainfield, NJ. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren- Jonathan, Mark, Ted, Frankie and his wife Paula, Michelle and her husband Tyler, Natalie, Lauren, Timothy & Gabriella, Eathan and Mary and 2 great grandchildren Valentina and Mila. She is preceded in death by her husband Ted Sauer and brother Herbert Basewit.

For further information, or to leave an online condolence message please visit www.gcfuneralhome.com.