Joan Miegel passed away on April 10, 2025, after a long and full life. She was 99.
The daughter of Cecelia and John Kreps, Joan was born and raised in Camden, New Jersey. She was the fourth of their six children. After graduating from Camden High School, she attended the New Jersey College for Women, now Douglass College of Rutgers University. Joan was the first in her family to attend college, earning her degree in chemistry in 1946.
After graduating, Joan began her career with the Dupont Company as a lab technician. It was at DuPont where she met her future husband, Ralph Edward Miegel. Her career with DuPont was interrupted by the birth and raising of her five children. Joan returned to work when her youngest child entered grade school. She first worked part time as a substitute teacher, then full time as a math instructor at Delaware Technical and Community College.
Joan loved her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and they adored her. She had a particular fondness for the beach, where she taught her kids and several grandchildren how to body surf, an activity she enjoyed well into her 80’s. Joan also treasured her extended family, including her siblings and their children. She frequently hosted gatherings of friends and family, and there was always room at her table.
Joan was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Ralph Edward Miegel, and her grandson Gregory Miegel. She is survived by her children Ralph Charles Miegel (Diane) of Silver Spring, Maryland; Bobbie Miegel and Chris Miegel both of Wilmington, Delaware; Carol Caplan (Richard) of Newport News, Virginia; and Nancy Markisohn (Jim) of Orlando, Florida; seven grandchildren Joseph Miegel, Alex Miegel, Jeremy, Nicole and Sara Markisohn, Leanna and Matthew Caplan; five great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held privately. A celebration of Joan’s life will be held this summer. Donations in Joan’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
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