JoAnn Madolyn Miller

JoAnn Madolyn Miller, a pioneering physician, devoted mother, and beloved community figure, passed away February 22 at 88. Born on February 12, 1937, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, JoAnn defied the odds from the very start. Born prematurely, weighing less than three pounds, doctors sent her home expecting she would not survive. But her father, refusing to give up, placed her in a chicken incubator—saving her life and proving her fighting spirit from day one.

Raised as an only child in Detroit, JoAnn’s love of learning was evident early on. She devoured books at such a pace that a skeptical librarian accused her of not actually reading them. Her intelligence and determination led her to Wayne State University, but after three years, she was accepted into medical school at the University of Michigan—a rare achievement for a woman at the time. She was one of only eight women in a class of 169, graduating in 1962.

JoAnn went on to specialize in anesthesia, completing her residency and moving to Maine in the late 1960s with her husband. She became an attending anesthesiologist at Maine Medical Center and was part of a historic moment in Maine’s medical history as the anesthesiologist for the state’s first successful open-heart surgery.

While her medical career was remarkable, one of JoAnn’s greatest joys came from being a mother to her children, Mark and Molly. She adjusted her career path to focus on outpatient pain management, allowing her to be more present in their lives—a testament to her deep love and devotion to family.

In the years following 9/11, JoAnn became known for something else entirely: her role as one of the Freeport Flag Ladies. Alongside her best friends, Elaine Greene and Carmen Footer, JoAnn took to Main Street in Freeport every Tuesday morning, waving the American flag in a quiet yet powerful act of unity and remembrance. Through rain, snow, and scorching sun, they stood together for 18 years, offering unwavering support to service members, welcoming honor flights, and sending care packages to troops overseas. What began as a simple gesture became a symbol of resilience and patriotism, bringing together a community in a time of national grief.

JoAnn’s life was defined by courage, dedication, and an unshakable sense of duty—whether to her patients, her family, or her country. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, compassion, and unwavering love.

She is survived by her best friend and companion Elaine Greene, children Molly and her husband Joshua of Fayette, Mark and his wife Susannah of North Yarmouth, grandchildren Jaina, Jonah, and Willow, and a grateful community forever changed by her kindness and service.

A celebration of JoAnn’s life will be held on Tuesday, March 4th at 10am on the corner of Main Street and School Street in Freeport.