Milissa M. Schang

On the 23rd of October 1962 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden, New Jersey, Paul and Mitzie Hargrave brought their eighth child, Milissa Marie Hargrave, into the world on a crisp, autumn day. Milissa, or “Molly” or “Mimi,” was the second youngest of an eventual nine children who grew up stubbing toes and kicking cans together in the Borough of Haddonfield. Growing up looking up to her seven older brothers and sisters and sometimes looking after her younger brother, Milissa was clever, spritely, resourceful, imaginative, and adventurous from her childhood right up until her peaceful passing in her sleep in the early morning hours of the 30th of March 2023, back in her home in Haddonfield.  

Milissa graduated in three years from Haddonfield High School in the class of 1980, before moving to her home away from home in Pensacola, Florida where she married Dr. Steven Schang and began raising her five children on the sugar white sands of the Gulf Coast. She was passionate about family, nature, music, culture, travel, art and especially cooking. She earned her degree in culinary management from Pensacola State College in 2011 and pursued a career in making food a little more like art wherever she went, right up until days of her passing.

Milissa is predeceased by her parents Paul and Mitzie and is survived by her five children Jessica (Rafael), Zachary (Alisha), Malachai (Julia), Samson, and Matthew; her six grandchildren Maya, Grayton, Rex, Zephyr, Thoreau, and Everett; her siblings John (Virginia), David (Nadine), Robert (Susan), Christine (Michael), Christopher (Deborah), Kathleen (Dale), Jennifer (John), and Timothy (Heidi); numerous nieces and nephews; her long-time partner and friend Randall Aronson, and countless friends extending out in all directions from the circles she created who will circulate stories of her for years to come.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Red Bank Battlefield (100 Hessian Ave, National Park, NJ 08063) on Wednesday, April 5th. Gathering begins at 4:00pm, Celebration to start at 5:00 pm. Bring your favorite memories of Milissa, a story, a photo, or an item that holds special meaning (all items will be returned). In lieu of flowers, send any donations to www.SJKIDStrust.org .

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