CAMDEN — Joyce Leverne (Milliken) Richard, 82, died on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport, surrounded by her loving family.  

She was born in Camden on April 12, 1937, and was the daughter of Carl Henry and Leverne (Marriner) Millken. Joyce graduated as Class Valedictorian from Camden High School in 1955 having served four years as a class officer.

Her employment included working four years at Camden National Bank. She graduated from Northwest School in Chicago, Ill in 1958 earning her “wings” to become an airline stewardess which was considered an exciting career choice at that time.

On February 15, 1959, Joyce married Frederick “Ted” Hanley of Rockland, at Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church in Camden.  Ted completed his final year with the U.S. Marine Corps in Norfolk, VA. Upon their return to Camden, Ted embarked on a lifelong career in banking and the couple welcomed the birth of their son, Derek Anthony.  The marriage dissolved after 14 years, but Joyce and Ted remained close friends until Ted’s death in 2004. 

Joyce had been employed at several banks and financial institutions culminating with becoming an administrative assistant at MBNA in 1993 as one of the first employees in Camden. Joyce was also employed for several years in the guidance department at C-R High School where her warm smile and outgoing personality seemed a perfect fit.

On January 26, 1974, she married Brian A. Richard, Sr. of Bangor at the First Congregational Church in Camden. Joyce and her son, Derek, joined Brian at his U.S.A.F. assignments in Tacoma, WA and to Madrid, Spain where they lived for three years.  

Joyce was truly a “Camden Girl.” No matter how far she traveled or how beautiful the place, there was absolutely nothing that compared to her hometown. She was virtually a one-person Chamber of Commerce for Camden. 

Joyce had a great love of all history but especially local.  From an early age, she enjoyed photography and genealogy and compiled hundreds of albums and scrapbooks including family histories.  She had great patience for any type of detail work.  Joyce’s ancestors were among the earliest settlers of Camden.  She took great pride in her family ties and helped organize many Milliken and Marriner reunions.

Joyce put high priority on friendships and loyalty. She was a friend for all times, the good and the bad. She corresponded with two 8th grade pen pals from Germany and Trinidad for over sixty years.  She also kept in close touch with her former classmates.  One of her favorite memories was a two week trip in 2000 to the Tuscany area of Italy with six other friends from kindergarten days. 

Joyce had a great love of animals especially her own dogs and cats who were considered family.  Her interests were many and varied and included interior decorating; reading; dancing; boating and being on or near the ocean.  Joyce loved traveling with husband Brian.  Newport, RI, was a favorite vacation spot for over a 40 year span as well as Cape Cod, MA, Hilton Head, SC and Venice, FL.

She participated in numerous community organizations including Camden Women’s Club, Camden District Nursing Association; Trustee of the C-R Historical Society; Camden Dandelions; Camden High School Alumni Association; Chapter member of Mainstream Investors; Beta Sigma Phi Sorority; Catholic Women’s Club; PEO, Rockland Area Boat Club; Down East Jazz Society; Second Saturday Club; AFS Home Placement Co-Chairperson; Volunteer hostess and tour guide for Cramer Museum, Conway House and Sears House in Camden; Daughters of Isabella; Newcomers Club of Lakewood in Tacoma, WA. 

At the time of her death, she was a 25 year trustee, historian and former Clerk of the Vesper Hill Foundation; a 32 year member of the Camden Rockport Book Club; Charter member of “Keep S’myelin” Mid-Coast MS Support Group; a member of the Camden-Rockport Historical Society for over fifty years; and a member of the 1955 Classmates monthly luncheon group. 

Joyce was diagnosed with MS in 2002.  This crippling disease greatly changed her life and activities but she maintained a positive attitude, inner strength and determination while continuing to be as active as possible.  Joyce was very kind hearted and thoughtful with a cheerful smile.  She was very thankful for a full and interesting life.  With caring assistance from her loving husband, she accepted what came her way with courage and dignity.  Joyce loved being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  She was happiest when spending time with her beloved family especially son, Derek and grandchildren, Dana and Connor.  She also treasured time spent with close friends.

She was predeceased by her step-daughter, Angela Katherine Richard; niece, Kimberly Marie Milliken and nephew, Carl G. Milliken, Jr. 

Joyce is survived by her husband of 46 years, Brian A. Richard Sr. of Camden; son, Derek A. Hanley and his wife, Maureen of Cumberland; step-son, Brian A. Richard II of Ellenton, FL; step-daughter, Stephanie R. Hamlin of Hampden; grandchildren, Dana E. (Hanley) Hayes and husband, Timothy, of Nicaragua, Connor M. Hanley of South Boston, MA; Nicole M. Richard of Rockland, Brian A. Richard III, Hanna M. Richard, both of Ellenton, FL; great-grandsons, Theo Carter Hayes of Nicaragua, Tyler A. Richard of Port Charlotte, FL; brother, Carl G. Milliken and three sisters-in-law, Tina of Bangor, Pamela R. Thibodeau and husband, Donovan of Hampden, Lynn R. Mountain and husband, Stuart, of Fort Worth, TX; nieces, Tracie Thibodeau and family of Howland; Megan Hopkins and family of Cape Neddick; and other nieces, nephews and cousins.

A graveside service will be announced later.

Memorial gifts may be made to PAWS, P.O. Box 707, Rockport, ME 04856 or to the Camden Area Food Pantry, 128 Mt. Battie St., Camden, ME 04843.  

Condolences may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.  

Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.