Joan L. Donofrio, loved the Lord

Joan L. Donofrio, 82, of Lewes, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, while residing at Brookdale Spring Meadows, Bozeman, Mont., where she fought a courageous battle and was a perfect patient, never complaining and remaining most grateful until the bitter end. Her absence will leave a gaping hole in our family. Joan was born July 18, 1940, in Philadelphia, Pa. She attended Saint Margaret Mary School and graduated from Notre Dame High School, Easton, Pa.

A very important part of Joan’s life was to delve into the Bible daily, absorb the meaning and rejoice in the magnificence of his holy word. Although humble and unsung, her artistic talents were many.

Joan had an uncanny ability to look at an object, sketch it, and turn it into a beautiful needlepoint work of art. She was also an accomplished upholsterer, seamstress, and coiffeur, as well as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker.

Joan had many career moves throughout her life before finally accepting a position with The Pilots’ Association for the Bay and River Delaware, where she worked from June 1979 until her retirement in July 2004. After her retirement, she worked part time at Community Bank and several positions at Tanger Outlets, her last at Helly Hansen.

Joan was predeceased by her loving parents, Francis and Alberta (May) Reilley; and a son-in-law, Christopher Johnson. She is survived by her husband of 62 years Anthony D. (Tony) Donofrio; children: Maria Caras (Steve), Christina Johnson, Dina Marie Donofrio (Bryan Clark); grandchildren: Jacqueline Donofrio and Jessica M. Johnson; and great-grandson Anthony Donofrio; sisters: Joyce Marshall of Franklinville N.J., Janice Szymanski (Bill) of Orlando Fla.; brother, John Joseph (Jack) Reilley of Spring Hill, Fla.; along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Arrangements at her request will be family only.