Joanne Mullaney

Joanne Lydia Mullaney, our mom and nanny, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Thursday October 28, 2021. She was born on May 18, 1940 and most recently lived in Bayville, NJ but the place that felt most like home to her was Seaside Park, NJ where she had fond memories of spending summers with her family growing up. Her passing comes as a blessing as she is now set free after a 10 year challenge with Alzheimer's disease.

Joanne was predeceased by her first husband, Joseph Roman, and her second husband, James Mullaney. Her legacy and joy were her family to include her children: Liz Roman and partner Nash (Walnut Grove, CA), Dave Roman and wife Sally (Beachwood, NJ), Matt Roman and wife Maria (Forked River, NJ), Erica McKay and husband Bryan (Forked River, NJ) and her sister: Janet Stern (Williamson, NY). Her legacy also includes 13 grandchildren: Zachary, Nicole, Arielle, Hannah, Jacob, Katie, Julia, Jenny, Emily, Carley, Robbie, Jimmy, and Sophie and two great grandchildren: Robbie and Nora (with one on the way.)

Mom embraced and took on her role as the matriarch with extreme dedication and unconditional love. We grew up involved in many extracurricular and hands-on activities, had many friends, and were given the freedom to explore the world around us. This foundation helped to shape us into people who are problem solvers like Mom. In addition to providing us with many childhood opportunities, she was dedicated to raising us to embody the "golden rule" throughout our daily lives. We are not sure what formula she used, but she taught us old fashioned values such as honesty, integrity, determination, achieving goals, strong work ethic, pride, and mostly love of family, God, and country.

Anyone who met Mom knew that her love of the Lord was paramount for her and always in the forefront of her existence. She was a scholar of the Word and Jesus' teachings and prayed vigilantly every day. Her essence exuded love for humanity through Jesus. She always looked to help others in whatever way possible and especially had a heart for the underdogs in life. Her goal was to serve others. She was extremely creative and used her artistic talent and crafts to bless many people to include our family and others with kitchen remodels, up-cycling and bringing treasures back to life that others may have discarded, having cheesecake fundraisers, and most of all with her time as she spiritually uplifted those in need. She was also an author and her granddaughters Nicole and Hannah helped bring her dream of publishing her book, "The Scrawny Christmas Tree" to fruition which tells the story of how Jesus has a plan for everyone no matter who they are. She was a true original and will be sorely missed by not only our family but anyone who ever met her.

Finally, we could not have taken this voyage with Mom without the love, support, and prayers of everyone who has touched our lives. Special thanks go out to all her family, friends, and companions, especially these last five challenging years to include: Tess, Nona, Wendy, Adele, Joan, Becky, Mary, and Lita.

Mom said it best in her book: "There will be bumps along the way, So read His good book every day. Listen to what He has to say, and stick with His path along the way. And someday, when your life is done, He'll say, "Come home my faithful one.""

Join us on Saturday, November 6, from 11am – 1pm to celebrate Mom’s life at Mastapeter Memorial Home, 270 Atlantic City Blvd, Bayville, NJ 08721.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Mom’s memory to www.prisonfellowship.org an organization that brings joy to children whose parents are incarcerated.