Joan Lazarus Kalkin died peacefully in her sleep on May 16.

Joan was the matriarch of the Kalkin family of Bernardsville, N.J., the loving wife of Eugene Kalkin, mother of Nancy and Adam Kalkin, mother-in-law of Lincoln and Jocelyne, and a beloved grandmother.

She grew up in Newark and Maplewood, N.J. and lived in Bernardsville for the last 40 years.

Family was important to Joan. She ruled gently with charm, love, style and humor. No one will forget her Mitsuoko perfume and beautiful smile.

In her public life, she sat on the boards of the Newark Museum, the Shelburne Museum, the Fleming Museum and the board of trustees of the University of Vermont where she was awarded an honorary doctor of laws. She leaves a tender spot in the hearts of everyone who knew her.

Gifts can be directed to the University of Vermont Foundation, attention Kathleen Kelleher, 411 Main St., Burlington, VT 05403 or online at www.uvmfoundation.org.