Joan Blumhagen May

Joan Blumhagen May, 92, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2025, in Dawsonville, Georgia. 

Born on February 24, 1932, in Kingston, New York, Joan spent her early years on a dairy farm in New Jersey. She embraced the hard work of farm life, milking cows, baling hay, and even driving a milk truck to market. These formative experiences instilled in her a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for nature that remained with her throughout her life. 

Joan graduated from Newton High School in Newton, New Jersey. Over the years, she built a diverse career that reflected her dedication and adaptability. She worked at Selective Risk Insurance in Branchville, New Jersey, served as a school bus driver in Frankfort Township, New Jersey, and later found her calling in the payroll department for the Leon County School System in Florida, where she eventually retired. 

A woman of Christian faith, Joan carried herself with a gentle and cheerful spirit. She was known for her ever-present smile and positive outlook on life. She loved reminiscing about her childhood and sharing stories of her time on the farm. Her love for nature extended to birdwatching and caring for her beloved African Violets. In quieter moments, she enjoyed watching baseball and NASCAR on television-pastimes that brought her great joy over the years. For over 50 years, she was a member of the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star of New Jersey. 

Joan is survived by her sister Janet Burtis; her son Robert May; her daughter Brenda O'Neill, her grandchildren, Lindsay Johnson, Ryan Johnson, Zackary O'Neill, Katie Couch, Meredith O'Neill, Tanner May, and Megan May, and her great-grandchildren Brody Couch, Dawson Couch, Jackson O'Neill, and Carter May. She was predeceased by her husband William May; her parents Christian Blumhagen and Dorothy Wheaton; her brother Robert Blumhagen; her sister Betty Knight, and her daughter Susan May Meredith. 

A memorial service will be held on March 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Ingram Funeral Home Chapel, located at 210 Ingram Ave., Cumming, Georgia, 30040. 

Joan's warmth and kindness touched many lives. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

 Ingram Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Ave, Cumming, GA is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at ingramfuneralhome.com.