Joell Lanfrank, Seaside Park Drowning Victim, Dies At 44

Courtesy of Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals

Joell Lanfrank, 44, of Seaside Park passed away Sunday, September 24, 2017.

Born in Belleville, she was raised in Toms River and graduated from Toms River High School East in 1991. She went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware in 1995.

Joell later lived in Vermont and then Toms River before moving to Seaside Park two years ago. She was a certified yoga instructor and the owner of Lotus Lounge Yoga Services.

Joell was a former glass blower and the owner of Snow Angel Glass. She also was a former glass blower for Simon Pearce and Little River Hotglass Studio.

She was an avid lover of all animals. Joell was loved by all who knew her and by those she just met. Her beautiful smile and personality would light up the room and she will be deeply missed by all.

Many in the condolences page of her obituary spoke of how she had helped them through tough times.

"She was my strength when going through a very difficult time in my life," one woman wrote. "She inspired me to find peace within and move forward. Her energy and strong will was hard to resist. The love that flowed from her was powerful and always left me feeling as if I was receiving the biggest bear hug. It made me feel safe and protected. She loved the sea and I'm sure she is at peace. But she did leave us too soon and is greatly missed."

Joell was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Theresa and Joseph Cotugno, and her paternal grandparents Sue and Arthur Lanfrank. Joell is survived by her parents Joann and Arthur Lanfrank of Lakewood, her aunts and uncles Judy and Dave Demilia of Hillsborough, Mike and Elaine Karsnack of New Providence, Gloria Battaglio of Manahawkin, Paul and Michele Babij of Belleville, Joseph Cotugno of Bloomfield, Anthony Cotungo of Newark, her many cousins and her companion Jeff Deron, of Toms River.

The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 995 Fischer Blvd., Toms River. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at St. Justin R.C. Church in Toms River. Burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Toms River.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Joell may be made to the ASPCA. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com.

Photo: Timothy E. Ryan Home For Funerals