Joanne (Souder) Heggan Massey

Berlin

Joanne (Souder) Heggan Massey formerly of Glassboro, New Jersey, passed away at her home on June 10, 2023.

She was born in Camden, New Jersey, and graduated from Glassboro High School. She attended Goldey Beacom College, the University of Delaware, and completed her degree at the University of Illinois.

Joanne lived in Lawrence, Kansas for five years where she started a sewing business, Puffs N Such, making University of Kansas cheerleader uniforms, sewing garments for a boutique, and pillows for the Halls Department Store.

Upon relocation to Delaware in 1974, she began a long career with Young, Conaway, Stargatt and Taylor, first as a paralegal, then as head of human resources.

In 2003 Joanne retired to the Eastern Shore with her husband John. Joanne’s grandchildren were the love of her life. Having a house at the beach created a lot of cherished memories we will never forget, among them playing on the beach, building sand castles, boat rides and trips to the Boardwalk or just sitting on her porch talking for hours.

She was an active member of Quilters by the Sea from 2003 till 2019 and served as vice president and president. Her passion for sewing, quilting and fiber arts provided many happy hours and she treasured her friendships with her fellow quilters. She was also a member of the Democratic Women’s club, book club and grub club.

An avid walker, only a snowstorm would stop her from her daily walks. Joanne and her husband enjoyed being part of the Salisbury Cruise Club and enjoyed several cruises, with one of her fondest memories being a trip to Alaska.

Words that come to mind when thinking of Joanne are a loyal friend, great listener, true classy lady, loving and generous, positive and upbeat. Joanne had a great sense of style and color, evident from her clothing and jewelry, in furnishing her home, even right down to her choices of quilt fabrics for projects. She was a devoted wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend. She enjoyed her trips to Dumser’s for a double dip of chocolate and coffee ice cream and always made sure there was a supply of chocolate nearby.

She is survived by her daughter Corrie (Don) Boger, son Kevin (Brie) Heggan; stepson Chuck (Linda) Massey, stepdaughter-in-law Wendy Massey; grandchildren Sydney and Samantha Boger, Ruby, Liam and Mae Heggan; step-granddaughters Kendall and Briana; and great grandchildren Annabelle and Silas.

Preceding her in death her husband John; brother Dave; and stepson Michael.

The family would like to sincerely thank the caregivers from Home Instead that provided loving care for Joanne in her home, which was her wish. Joanne had formed unique bonds with all of them and we are forever grateful.

A private Celebration of Life will be planned for a future date.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Believe in Tomorrow Foundation Beach Respite Program at believeintomorrow.org/.