Joan (Taska) Miller

Joan Miller, 76, of Honey Brook, Pennsylvania.

Joan Taska Miller was a unique and formidable woman; a Licensed Practical Nurse for 25 years, and a true one-of-a-kind lady. Her loving daughter, Barbara, put it best: she loved, and was loved, fiercely. Her words were often blunt, without cushion, but her intentions were incredibly heartfelt. She wanted the recipient of her advice to avoid the mistakes she had made, encouraging them toward a better place in their life. She was also funny as hell; anyone who spent time with her was treated with at least one good belly laugh. A book of “Joan-isms” will need to be written, although pictures might be sparse. She loathed having her picture taken because her hair “looked like……�,” never mind…….you all know how she finished that sentence!

For those lucky enough to call Joan “family,” she will be incredibly missed. She had so much pride in her family and was quick to tell you all about their lives. She held the softest place in her heart for her grandchildren, and more recently, her great grandchildren. You could hear the joy in her voice even as she spoke their names. Of course, you were all “in trouble” with Mom, Nana, Aunt Joan, Joan, but never for more than 15 minutes, which was just enough time for her to let you know what you were doing wrong.

In the 1990”s, Joan began her passion for camping on the Delaware waterways. She bought her first camper in Gulls Way Campground for $1900, which got her a unit with more holes in the floor than Swiss cheese. She haggled with the seller to include the TV and microwave, which were the only working things in the unit. When the owner took the TV and microwave before the sale, she called them to say she would “call the authorities” about the “robbery” from her purchased RV. They folded, and the TV and microwave were placed back in the unit; she did not abide “unscrupulous” people, did she, TJ?

Ultimately, she bought a new RV and placed it on a premier site within the park. She continued to enjoy life here until she was no longer able to maintain its upkeep, but left it to her granddaughter and family to continue the fun. I often wonder how many crabs she secured off of the Vine Creek Bridge over the decades. I can tell you that she also caught a huge snapping turtle in one of the nets once; she traded it to a guy driving by for a six-pack of beer. Somehow, someday, we will need to figure out a way to have that bridge renamed “The Joan Miller Bridge.” If she liked you, you might catch a few crabs. If she didn’t, well, enjoy the weather because that was “her bridge!”

Speaking of bridges, Joan will be met at the foot of the rainbow bridge by the wonderful dogs she had over the years. Boy, did she love Duffy, Jack, and finally, Abby. We mustn’t forget the one cat she talked about fondly from her early years, Madchen.  Their tails must be wagging away!

Finally, remember to shed a few tears, but not many. She will yell at all of us from eternal rest to tell us to “knock it the hell off!” Share memories and laughs we had; if we do, Joan will never be gone. It is what she would want (that, and to ultimately become crab bait). Rest in peace, wonderful lady. You are loved!

Submitted by,

Marianne Brotschul (close family friend)

In addtion to her daughter Barbara A. Vollmer (husband Patrick) of Honey Brook, PA, she is survived by; four grandchildren, Meredith Theresa Space (husband Bob) of Coatesville, PA, Thomas John "TJ" Holman (wife Nina) of Parkesburg, PA, Jonathan Gabriel Milanese of Doylestown, PA, and Nicholas James Milanese of Honey Brook, PA; three great grandchildren, Aubrey Elizabeth Space of Coatesville, PA, Elora Joan Holman of Parkesburg, PA, and Joseph Bucci of Downingtown, PA, and close family friend, Marianne Brotschul of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.

The family is planning a private memorial service later in the summer time.

Condolences may be shared at the guestbook on this memorial page.

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