Joan Leslie Malmrose

Joan Leslie Malmrose, age 73, passed away May 28, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to education, community history, and her deeply loved family after a year-long battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Born in the Bronx, New York, on May 6, 1953, Joan moved to Norwood, New Jersey, at the age of three with her parents, Viljo and Florence Malmrose. She grew up alongside her older brother Paul, and younger siblings Roy and Linda, attending Norwood Public School and Northern Valley Old Tappan High School, class of 1971. Joan was confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church at age 15. She pursued a passion for education at Eastern Michigan University, graduating in 1975 with a degree in Special Education. Her teaching journey took her first to Atlanta, Georgia, and eventually to Houston, Texas, where she built her life and career. Continuous learning was central to Joan's life; she earned her Master's degree in education in 1979 and later went on to earn a counseling degree.

While in Houston, Joan met Danny DeMonbrun of Deer Park. The two were married at their home in Dickinson on March 26, 1983. Together they welcomed two children, Julie in 1985, and Alex in 1987. The family enjoyed traveling including trips to Belize, France with her mother Florence, Greece, Hawaii, and chartering a sailboat in the British Virgin Islands. She also enjoys frequent sibling trips to baseball games around the US. Though Joan faced trials—including a devastating house fire and a period of profound grief after Danny’s passing at age 61 —Joan remained a resilient pillar of humor and strength for her family.

A dedicated educator and community builder, Joan spent many years serving students and families as a counselor in local school districts, including Clear Creek, Texas City, and Stafford Municipal School District. Following her retirement, she channeled her love for community and historical preservation into her position as Executive Director of the Dickinson Historical Society. She also worked with many local organizations, including Keep Dickinson Beautiful, Wreaths Across America, the Dickinson Chamber of Commerce, founder of the Bay Area Plant Exchange, and as a docent at the Moody Mansion in Galveston. Joan was also a devoted member of Faith Lutheran Church, followed by Holy Trinity Episcopal, and finally First Methodist of Dickinson. It was Joan's intent to leave the world a better place than she found it.

Above all else, Joan cherished her role as a grandmother. She was the incredibly proud "Grammy" to her five grandchildren: Chace, Layla, Jameson, Quinn, and Thatcher, who each brought her immense joy. Joan is survived by her daughter, Julie DeMonbrun Miller and husband Robby, and grandchildren Jameson, Quinn, and Thatcher; her son, Alex DeMonbrun and his wife Danielle, and their children Chace and Layla; her brother, Paul Malmrose and wife Susan, niece Kate, and grandnephew Evan; and her brother, Roy Malmrose, nephew Andrew, and niece Jana. Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Danny DeMonbrun; her sister, Linda Case; her mother, Florence Malmrose; and her father, Viljo Malmrose.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dickinson Historical Society through their website.

A memorial service will be held Friday, June 19, from 3:00 to 4:00 PM at Forest Park East in Webster. Friends and family are invited to fellowship at local restaurant La Brisa in League City afterward.