Obituary
Joan S. Maxwell, born May 19, 1939, in Stratford, New Jersey, passed away on November 8,
2025. Joan lived a life of teaching, travel, friendship, and the sea. A graduate of Haddonfield
Memorial High School (Class of 1957), she continued her education at Glassboro State College
where she met and married the true love of her life, Roger Maxwell. The couple shared 59 years
of marriage and together raised two children, Bill and Sallie.
Joan was a career educator. She spent over 20 years teaching 4th grade in Matawan, New
Jersey, and after a year sabbatical became a 2nd grade teacher as well. She was an integral
and well respected part of her school community and loved by all. She valued education
tremendously and pursued a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Kean University,
while working full time. She was a motivated, dedicated and inspirational individual. Joan made
many lasting friendships and built countless relationships that she treasured for years.
A lifelong sailor, Joan spent countless summers on Long Island Sound and exploring the
Intracoastal Waterway. After moving to Apollo Beach,Florida, she and Roger joined Tampa
Sailing Squadron and became involved in all things Florida. She loved the simple pleasures of
coastal life: afternoon sails in Tampa Bay, walks along Lido Beach, sampling the restaurants of
St. Armands, and evenings at the Van Wezel and Florida Studio Theatre, where she especially
enjoyed cabaret performances. An avid reader, Joan favored easy reads and historical fiction.
She spent her last 3 years at Plymouth Harbor where she lived life to the fullest while enjoying
many wellness activities, concerts, and special programs. Her strong faith and joy for music led
her to worship at St. Armand’s Lutheran Church.
Joan will be remembered for her generous spirit, her love of the water, and the many friendships
she carried with her throughout her life. Her family, friends, and fellow sailors will miss her
warmth, her laughter, and her willingness to always be a kind and caring friend.
She was predeceased by her husband, Roger Maxwell. Surviving are her children, Bill Maxwell
and daughter-in law, Susan, and Sallie Ivin and son-in law, David, grandchildren Lauren
(Jeremy) Brown, Melissa (Jake) McClelland, Amy Ivin (Ryan Hogan) and Samantha (Jamie)
Roberts and four great grandchildren, Emma and Ellie Brown, Noah Roberts, Jack Hogan and
one great grand child on the way, Baby Girl McClelland, as well as a wide circle of friends
across the country.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Chapel at Plymouth Harbor on December 5th, 2025, at
2:00pm. In lieu of flowers please consider making a memorial contribution in Joan’s name to
Plymouth Harbor (www.Plymouth Harbor.org) “Zest For Life” or St. Armands Key Lutheran
Church (www.saklc.com).
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