In Memoriam: Red Bank-Raised Joyce Baker, 92 — Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect

Red Bank-raised Joyce Baker, more recently of Oceanport and previously Middletown, passed away peacefully at home Sunday morning, Dec. 29. She was 92.

Joyce grew up in Red Bank and was a graduate of Red Bank High School and nursing school. Upon graduating, she worked as a registered nurse in the Red Bank area. Later, she held a real estate agent license, working with several local agencies.

Prior to her residence in Oceanport for the past decade, Joyce lived in Middletown for nearly 50 years with her husband Donn (1928-2013) and was active in the community and in her children’s schools. She was a full-time mother and homemaker who cared deeply for her family and neighbors, and extended family Christmas celebrations will be fondly remembered by all. Joyce had been a member of First Presbyterian Church of Red Bank since childhood, and she was a former deacon and volunteer for the Mothers of Preschoolers program there.

Joyce is survived by: her daughters, Tracey Birch and Holly Miller; five grandchildren, James, Kathryn, and Sarah Birch, and Red and Henry Miller; and her beloved dog, Mickey.

She was predeceased by: her husband of 49 years, Donn Baker; and her brother, William Scott.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Pick Your Paw Animal Rescue, 450 Shrewsbury Plaza #129, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702; or to Tower Hill First Presbyterian Church of Red Bank, 255 Harding Road, Red Bank, NJ 07701.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home