Miriam Ruth Boakes, “Mimi”, 87, of Northfield, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2013. Born on April 20, 1926, in Woodbury, NJ, she was the adored baby of the family of Charles M. Heritage and Lydia W. Heritage. She married Elbert Boakes, and together they adopted their son, David. They would reside in Mays Landing where Elbert established Boakes Funeral Home, and they became active members of the community.
Her passion for the beach began in her childhood with many family vacations to Atlantic City and Wildwood. Later, she would reside in Longport with her son, David, and then in Ocean City. She enjoyed countless summer days on the beach with her son and her friends, rarely calling it a day before sundown.
Miriam worked for many years in special events in the casino industry, retiring from Bally’s Park Place. She amassed many friends during this time, all who she considered part of her extended family. She will be remembered as someone with a big heart and warm smile.
In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her brother Ralph DeVault Heritage, sister Marguerite W. Foulston, and the light of her life, her son, David J. Boakes, his father, Elbert Boakes, and her dear friends, Frank and Edna Johnson.
She is survived by her “adoptive” family, Steven Johnson (Jennifer) of Mays Landing, Patricia Sheilds (James) of Haddon Heights, Richard Johnson (Roseanne) and their children, all who lovingly remember her as “Aunt Mimi.”
Services will be held on Thursday, 2 PM, at the Boakes Funeral Home, 6050 Main Street, Mays Landing, where friends may gather from 1 PM until the time of the service. Burial will be in Union Cemetery in Mays Landing.