Obituary of Margaret Joyce DeProspo

Margaret “Joyce” DeProspo, 88, of Virginia passed away on Thursday, October 2, 2025. She was born and raised in Elizabeth, NJ and lived in Union, Old Bridge and Jackson, NJ before moving to Virginia in 2020 to be closer to her family. Joyce earned a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and a master’s degree in theology, spending time as a research scientist and later as Vice Principal at St. Mary’s High School in South Amboy. While her intelligence and dedication guided her to success as an educator and microbiologist, Joyce was also a devout Catholic who found profound joy in caring for others. Joyce always treated those around her with genuine kindness, often checking if they had eaten, asking for updates on family members, or remembering small, specific details about their life. She formed life-long relationships and cherished her many friends, students and loved ones. Her greatest happiness came from spending time with her grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Nicholas D. DeProspo, with whom she shared nearly 60 years of loving marriage. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Catherine Bing, and her brother, William Bing. Joyce is survived by her son, Doug DeProspo, and his wife, Kathleen Kozma – as well as their three children: Christopher, Michael, and Elizabeth.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township, NJ on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 2:00 to 6:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her 11:00 AM Funeral Mass on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 16 McLean Street, Freehold. Entombment will follow in St. Gertrude’s Cemetery, 53 Inman Avenue, Colonia. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research  Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com