Joan Mullen (December 24, 1933 - April 4, 2004) My Aunt Joan was a great lady who I loved dearly. She moved to Florida about six years ago and didn't adjust to the move very well at first. She was diabetic, on many medications and kept to herself. As much as her family and friends tried to be closer to her, she pushed people away and was somewhat reclusive. About two years ago, she called on me for some help and I was happy to have a chance to be a part of her life again. She had found a retirement apartment community she wanted to move to. I mobilized my brothers and sisters and we moved her in and got her settled. Still, she kept her distance from most people, but then a small miracle. A stray cat found her (She was nuts about cats!) and she fell in love with Millie. Taking care of Millie had to be a clandestine operation because when Aunt Joan lived in her previous duplex, she was feeding as many as 12 stray cats a day and got into great trouble with the landlord! Besides that, the pet deposit was large, the apartment complex had rules and Millie would never live inside! Joan loved putting one over on the establishment and feeding Millie just after dark and in the early mornings. It was during one of these feeding missions that Joan met Mary, her neighbor who had recently lost her husband George. As it turns out, the reason Millie was so willing to let Joan feed her and take care of her was that she was about to have kittens. Mary, her friend, Molly and Aunt Joan conspired to take care of Millie and in the process, became very close friends. Molly is from Ireland and has a beautiful brogue and a sparkle in her eye as she tell stories of growing up in Ireland. Joan loved her and Mary! When it was Millie's time to have her kittens, in Joan's closet, Joan, Mary and Molly were like school girls excited with anticipation. Millie delivered four beautiful kittens and the 'Cat Pack' looked after them. Joan found another Angel in Marsha Cunningham who runs "Safe Haven for Strays". Marsha came for the cats and would find loving homes for all of them...except Morgan. The day after Marsha came for them, Joan decided she couldn’t part with the orange and white kitten she would name Morgan. Marsha kindly returned him the next day. Before calling her, Joan went to the apartment office and offered Mike, the manager, to pay the reqired deposit in $20. increments until the entire $300. was paid. Mike agreed to the deal (Aunt Joan drove a hard bargain!). The transformation was amazing! Aunt Joan came out of her shell and had a wondeful time with the `Cat Pack’ and Mogan was visited by many in the community on a regular basis. Following a short illness, Aunt Joan passed away peacefully on Palm Sunday morning. It would have been her Dad's 102nd birthday and Aunt Joan’s husband, Bill also passed away on Palm Sunday in 1975. Mom, Joan's close friend of 50 years, Ann, nephews and friends were able to spend time with her in her final days. She was truly at peace. Several months ago, Aunt Joan had a diabetic incident which must have fightened her. She called and asked if I would meet with her to discuss what she wanted to happen when her time came. She did not wish any sort of memorial service or flowers. She asked only that those who wanted to pay tribute send a small donation to a cat shelter that takes in strays. Mary has adopted Morgan. Marsha Cunningham Safe Haven for Strays P.O. Box 176 Elfers, FL 34680