Joyce D Keller

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joyce Diane Keller. Joyce passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 29th, at the age of 77.

Joyce is predeceased by her husband of 49 years, William C. Keller. She is survived by her children, William C. Keller II and John G. Keller; her grandchildren, Evan, Luke, and Tori; her daughters-in-law Lisa and Lynette.

Joyce was born to John and Margaret Mastrangelo on March 19th, 1945, at St. Michael’s Hospital in Newark, New Jersey. She grew up in East Orange, New Jersey, where she graduated from Clifford Scott High School in 1963. Joyce attended Monmouth University and transferred to Bloomfield College, graduating in 1968, earning her Bachelor of Arts Degree. She and Bill were married in 1968, which was the year she started Fairleigh Dickinson University to pursue her Education Degree. Through Bill’s employer, they moved to Arlington Heights, Illinois in 1969. There, Joyce started her teaching career at High Ridge Knolls School in Des Plaines. They welcomed their first child, a son, William, in 1970. In 1973, Joyce and Bill moved back east to Forked River, New Jersey, where their family grew with the birth of their son, John. Joyce finalized her teaching degree in 1978 from Georgian Court College. In 1979, she was hired by the Lacey Township School District where she was a beloved and well-respected 4th grade teacher for 19 years. Many former students still say, “Mrs. Keller was my favorite teacher.” In her spare time, Joyce enjoyed sewing, painting, and always had a book by her side. As an avid animal lover, Joyce was a devoted pet mom through the years to her dogs Odin, Heidi, Taisha, Kobe, and Bailey, and her cats Petey, Lacey, and Tracey. She always brought a smile to everyone she met and will be greatly missed by many.

A private service is being held at Layton’s Funeral Home, Forked River, NJ.

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