Obituary of Joan Marie Millard

Joan M. Millard, 90, of Toms River, passed away peacefully on Saturday February 17, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Joan was born at Paul Kimball Hospital in Lakewood, NJ, on March 11, 1933. She graduated as class Salutatorian from Toms River High School in 1950. Joan worked for 25 years with the United States Postal Service as a Clerk in the Island Heights Post Office. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Island Heights, and started, and for many years coordinated, the annual House Tour, which has become a signature event in the Island Heights community. Joan also served as a volunteer coordinator for CAREGIVERS OF CENTRAL OCEAN COUNTY, donating countless hours to helping others in need. She actively supported 4-H programs in Ocean County, leading 4-H clubs and instilling the program’s values in countless youth. Joan was an avid reader, loved working in her garden, having family dinners and card nights, cooking and making bread, and spending time at the beach with friends. Her happiest times were spent with all her grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, to whom she was always known lovingly as Nannie. All her life, she and her husband Ed traveled around the world, visiting all 50 states and numerous countries on six different continents. Joan was predeceased by her beloved husband of 61 years, Edgar Millard; son Thomas and wife MaryKaye; brother Harley Winship and wife Barbara; sister Ruth Mayer and husband Charlie; and brother-in-law Jack Schenone. Joan is survived by her son David Millard and wife Jann of Toms River, daughter Ruth DiMarzio and husband Don of Island Heights; grandchildren Lauren Millard, Sarah Millard and her children Owen and Brody, Ross Millard and wife Emma and daughter Naomi, Ali Millard and wife Mel Pastuck, Dan DiMarzio and wife Brittany and sons Miles and Reid, Jenna DiMarzio and husband Dan Agocs, and Anna DiMarzio; sister Cathy Schenone of Whiting, sister-in-law Gerry Keister and husband Lenny of Bayville; dearest friends Jane Steele, Michael Steele and their children Jason, Charlotte and wife Hannah Marler, Lilly, and Frances, who were a part of her loving family; and Nannie was also beloved by many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service at the Island Heights Methodist Church will be announced at a later date.