Obituary: Joan Mills, 69; Laidlaw Transit Retiree

Joan Frances Mills passed away peacefully at her home in Greenwich, Friday June 28, 2013. She was 69.

She came into this world on Feb. 13, 1944, the sixth child of Shellie Cecil Mills and Louise Elizabeth Lewis Mills. This family would eventually grow to eight.

Joan spent a majority of her life as a resident of Greenwich, attending Hamilton Avenue School and graduating from Greenwich High School. She worked at Greenwich Hospital and Nathaniel Witherell as a young woman; eventually building a career at Laidlaw Transit. Joan retired after 25 years of service as a School Bus Driver, Instructor, Safety Specialist and finally Dispatcher. 

Joan will be most remembered for her smile and her quick wit. She had an amazing sense of humor and loved to laugh. The highlight of her summers was traveling to her sister Ann's home in Virginia, with whom she had a strong bond. She was an avid reader, enjoyed good food, and being by the water. Sammy's Fish Box in City Island, NY was a preferred Birthday Dinner location.

Besides her parents, she is predeceased by her sister Ann Mills Parsons (Douglas), her Brother Shellie Jr. (Molly), her Brother Benjamin (Genita) and her Brother Gary. Her surviving siblings are Malcolm of New York, NY, Reginald (Gail) of Greenwich, CT and Kenneth (Marva), of Hampton, VA. 

Joan gave birth to three daughters who each made her a grandmother. Her eldest, Thea LaTrice Mills of Mayslanding, NJ is mother to Derrick Walker, Shalarese Mills and Shakara Mills. Her middle child, Laura Michelle Murphy of Stamford, is mother to Toren Murphy and her youngest, Shalarese Murphy Bones Caballero of Jacksonville, FL is mother to Kaelyn Bones. She also is survived by three great-grandsons, Daysan, Christian and Gabriel and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, co-workers and neighbors. 

Calling hours will be held on Friday July 5, at The Castiglione Funeral Home, 134 Hamilton Ave., Greenwich. Friends and Family are invited to express their condolences and if desired, share a story, experience or memory of Joan in writing. A private memorial service will be held after the viewing.

Memorial donations to The Family can be submitted in person, by mail to Laura Murphy 131 Lawn Avenue, Unit D6 Stamford, CT 06830 or electronically through PayPal to LmurphyL@optonline.net.