Joan Caroline Klingensmith, age 87, in New Port Richey, Florida, has passed away on October 20th 2025.
Joan was born to Madeline and William Bauberger on July 6th 1938 in North Bergen, New Jersey. She married the love of her life, Norman “Norm” Klingensmith, on April 1st 1962, and together they had three beautiful children, Jacqueline “Jackie”, Denise, and Thomas “Tommy”.
To know Joan is to know the impact she had on every person she knew, her unwavering love for her family and friends, and the kind soul she had that walked this Earth. She never failed to compassionately love and care for others and was one of the most selfless and generous people you could come across. She worked as a hairdresser, stay at home mother, and as a daycare provider at home and at “Place”, the before/after school program for Richey Elementary. She is remembered by every person she provided care for and was often remembered years after by those she gave her love to. She was dedicated to her faith in God and spent much of her time volunteering at her church, First United Methodist Church, taking care of children, and again, loving each and every one of them as her own.
Her family knows her as “Gram”, the sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother, who loved spending time together for every single holiday, her love for cooking and baking, especially her famous crumb cake, her hobby of reading, and her passion for nature and taking care of her plants. We will all remember her for warmness, adventurousness, generosity, humility, and love.
Joan is preceded by her husband Norm and her daughter Jackie. She leaves behind her daughter Denise and son-in-law, Tim O’Neal, her son Tommy and daughter-in-law Wendy, 8 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild.
We will celebrate the wonderful life of Joan with a service at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 1st 2025, at First United Methodist Church (5901 Indiana Ave, New Port Richey, Florida). Afterwards, we will enjoy refreshments, share stories, and be there for one another in remembrance of Joan in her home where she gave immense love (6235 Old Trail, New Port Richey, Florida).
Jacque Loveall
October 28, 2025, 5:04 pm
Denise and Family,
Scott and I offer our deepest condolences. The loss of your mother brings a special kind of grief that resonates for years between one’s head and heart…just remember that this grief is just a manifestation of how deeply she was loved. I remember her welcoming nature and her excitement from many years ago when I met her at the baby shower for you and Jackie. We keep you in our thoughts and close at heart during this difficult time.
Karen Doucette
October 28, 2025, 5:53 pm
I remember when the Klingensmiths moved next door to us in NPR. My brother and Tom bonded as bffs. We were all like family. I adored Joan and her Jersey accent. My condolances to you all. We miss you all so very much. My heart goes out to you all.
Jo Ann and Joe Williams
October 29, 2025, 8:19 pm
Dear Tommy, Denise and family. Your mom was loved by so many. Joe had a special place in his heart for his favorite sister in law. I know how much she loved him and I am so honored that she welcomed me into your beautiful family. We got so close to her. I only wish we had a lot more time together. Her selflessness, loving and caring will always be remembered by everyone she touched. We will miss her terribly. May she rest in peace. 💔❣️
Karen Pearce
October 31, 2025, 12:14 am
She had so much love for all! Always bubbly and happy when surrounded by her family. I hope warm and happy memories of Joan comfort you during this difficult time. Xoxo