Joanne Viola Hilbish Mullen of Cream Ridge, N.J. passed away at age 98 on November 30, 2022. She was predeceased by her husband of almost 70 years, Edward Mullen, and her sister, Eleanor Longway of Clinton, CT.

Joanne was born in 1924 in Seattle, WA to Howard and Lua Wanna Hilbish. She attended Syracuse University by a bit of fortune from her great-uncle, Wilbur Finley Fauley.  Uncle Wilbur, a New York Times reporter, hid a significant amount of money within the pages of his favorite books in his Manhattan apartment. After he died, the family discovered the money and used it to pay for Joanne's college education.

While studying at Syracuse, Joanne met forestry student Edward Mullen. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1947. On October 11 of the same year, Joanne and Edward married at Syracuse University's Hendricks Chapel. In subsequent years, Joanne and Edward moved to a series of towns in the northeast as their family grew.

In 1973 Joanne and Ed settled in Cream Ridge, New Jersey, where they undertook the restoration of a 1773 pre-Revolutionary War home, Walnford on Crosswicks Creek. While living there, Joanne hosted and educated local school and community groups about colonial cooking techniques and Walnford's remarkable history. In 1976, the estate was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1985, the couple donated Walnford to the Monmouth County Parks System. Members of the public can still visit and enjoy the home and grounds today. Joanne loved nature and was one of the earliest members of the Monmouth County Parks System.  She was also an active member of the Allentown Villagers, Friends of the Old Yellow Meeting House and Monmouth Conservation Foundation.

Joanne and her family enjoyed summers in Bay Head, New Jersey, where they were active in the Bay Head Yacht Club. Joanne was an avid birdwatcher and enjoyed entertaining their many friends while hosting dinner parties that showcased her exceptional culinary talents.

Joanne is survived by her 5 children, Susan, Jeffrey (Julie), Robert (Adriana), Mark (Laura), and Matthew (Sarah), 10 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. The Mullen family would like to thank personal care provider Hajah Washington for her dedicated service. Contributions in memory of Joanne Mullen may be made to the Monmouth County Parks System or a charity of the donor's choice.

Services will be private.