Obituary of Joan Demarest

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Demarest, who departed this life peacefully on August 12 at the age of 85.

Born in Teaneck, NJ to parents Elsie and Anthony Taliaferro, Joan began her journey as a young newspaper journalist in Hudson County. Joan married William Demarest and had 2 children, Jackie and Charles. After her father’s passing, Joan took ownership of what became Music Country in Cliffside Park, the oldest record store in the US lasting over 90 years. Her love of all thing’s music was evident throughout her whole life, especially when singing and playing guitar with her husband Bill.

She lived a simple but beautiful life.

Joan is survived by her son Charles, daughter-in-law Cyndie, granddaughter Samantha and grandson Joseph as well as extended family, friends and many patrons of her record store whose lives were enriched by her spirit, kindness and a place where they could all share their love of music.

A celebration of life will be held on August 16, 2025, from 10-11 AM at McCorry Brothers Funeral Home, 780 Anderson Ave., Cliffside Park, NJ, with a prayer service at 11AM. Burial to follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 10 Serpentine Rd., Tenafly, New Jersey 07670 at 12:15 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Harmony & Healing which provides no-cost live professional music performances for hospice, hospital & rehab patients at facilities. Please donate at https://www.harmonyandhealing.org/donate/. (link to the left)