Joanna’s daughters, Louise Muller and Georgie Wilmott write: It is with much sadness that we share the news that Joanna Muller of 1 East Street passed away on New Year’s Eve. Joanna had luckily just spent a wonderful Christmas with her daughters Louise and Georgie and their families, before passing away peacefully at the JR Hospital. 

Joanna had lived on Osney Island for nearly 30 years. She was a much loved friend and neighbour of so many. She had sadly been in poor health for many years but was always so positive in her outlook that she continued to make the most out of life – always warm, friendly and with a smile to greet everyone. In past times, she would enjoy long walks by the waterways but even when bad health meant she couldn’t walk as far, she would often be seen picking litter by the water. Joanna loved the community on Osney Island so very much. 

Funeral

Joanna’s funeral (all are welcome) will be held at Oxford Crematorium, Bayswater Road, Headington, OX3 9RZ on Thursday 6 February at 2 p.m. (ending around 3 p.m.) Flowers may be brought to lay on the coffin. For those who wish, donations will be collected for Age UK and Dementia UK.

The funeral will be followed by a celebration of Joanna’s life at Seacroft Hall, 3 Church Way, Botley, Oxford 0X2 9TH. Nearby parking is at West Way Square Parking (OX2 0LW), Elms Parade car park (OX2 9LG) or Tower Retail Park (OX2 0JJ).

Please don’t feel you need to wear all black.

Memories of Joanna

To add your memories/condolences to this page please contact Jane.

Pauline Martin writes: Joanna was a friend indeed. And to so many – she brought a depth of interest and enquiry to every friendship, was a dedicated communicator by letter or a card through a local letterbox, by phone, email when she could or in person and scheduled her many contacts so as to have time and energy, capacity and focus for each one. It’s been my real privilege to have known and relished her affections over many years in a relationship I will cherish forever. ‘Your friend is your needs answered’ (Kahlil Gibran).

Jude Carroll, Pauline Martin, Vernon Orr, Jocelyn Wogan-Browne write: Islanders may have been familiar with the frail but striking figure of Joanna in her slouch hat, litter-picking on East Street in the early mornings. This was just one of her contributions to our community – she was a staunch Osney Islander. She also knitted muffs with buttons inside to keep busy the restless hands of people with dementia. She listened avidly as friends filled her in on island gatherings, book-group discussions, travel tales and more. She offered in return insights from her first-floor window on passers-by, memories from her New Zealand past, from her many travels, and from her work at the Westminster Campus above Raleigh Park.

Stoically positive, Joanna lived life courageously and, despite her illness, was determined to do and experience all that she could. She will be much missed by her many friends and family in the UK and overseas. She is survived by her two devoted daughters, sons-in-law, four grandchildren, and by Rafi, their black labrador.