Joan E. Ziejewski (nee Marziani) of Philadelphia passed away on November 18, 2023 after a difficult battle with stroke and heart disease. Predeceased by her husband, Walter F. Ziejewski, by her parents, Joseph and Marie Marziani of Philadelphia and by her brother Francis of Philadelphia, she was 87.
Joan will be remembered by her loved ones as a gifted and dedicated equestrian and friend. She was always ready, over more than a 75-year tenure in equine activities, to help a horse or rider with her tremendous skill and knowledge of all things equestrian. At 16, she started her own stable dedicated to buying, selling, boarding and training horses in West Philly and later moved to Northwestern Avenue across from what was the Police Stable. She was a fixture in the Wissahickon Park for more than 60 years. Walkers, runners, riders will remember the talented lady on one of her beautiful and beloved horses (Star, Hurricane, Swannee, Cella and Beaver) cantering down the Forbidden Drive. These were her dearest treasures as were the numerous cats and dogs she loved. Her generosity to all creatures, whether two legged or four, was well known.
Riding and caring for horses were not Joan’s only equestrian activities; she also ran her own saddlery store, Northwestern Avenue Tack Shop, in the 1990s and was a willing supporter of local shows, parades and clubs.
Her wonderful spirit and kind personality are mourned deeply by her sister, Marlene Logue, Florida as well as by her close and long term friends: Susan Anthony-Tolbert, Virginia; Phyllis Whitney, Tennessee; Ruth Musco, Pennsylvania and Linda Levino, Pennsylvania. She is survived by a son and two granddaughters and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to an animal rescue organization in Joan’s memory. For condolences, please see the website of the Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home in Lansdale, PA.
