Stories
We've been so blessed to have people share their stories with us. Read some of them below
A Love of Travel
Joan was an adventurer. I’ve been on many trips with my lovely cousin. We ventured to DC, Virginia to see family, and to Ireland to name a few. She did them all with pure joy in her heart, a spirit of adventure and tons of laughter. She was always up for my antics, as there were many, being 20 years her junior.
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- Laura
Caring for Animals
Back in 2004 my mom discovered that a feral cat had birthed a litter of kittens under an overturned rowboat that was stored in the backyard. Mum documented their every move, gave them all names, and worked with the local feline rescue to trap them and get them neutered/spayed, and release back outside. They weren't too keen on human affection, but that did not deter my mother. She could often be found trying to lure the cats into the garage or house, and reading or singing to them so they would become comfortable around her. Over time almost all of the cats became rather tame, often coming into the house for extended visits. One cat, Fluffy, decided that she much preferred it inside with my mother, and then became a pet cat. The amount and time and effort that my mom put into those cats was very typical of her, as she loved animals of all kinds. Growing up she was always rescuing orphaned bird and squirrels and bringing them to our local wildlife rehabilitator. Many animals lived longer, better lives because of my mom
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- Hillary
Best Babysitter Ever
What I remember about her most was her giggle and laugh. It was like no other. I also remember when she was taking care of John, Deb and me when we lived in Durham, NH. I was 6 years old. She asked me if I wanted a pixie cut for my hair. I said yes and I remember mom was so surprised when she returned home and I looked a little different. Joanie and I thought it was brilliant ~ and it was! I will always love her and carry her in my heart.
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- Alison
Volunteerism
My mom started volunteering in the community when we were very young. For several years, she volunteered at THWC crisis center in Amesbury, MA. She would often take Hillary and I with her, where we met many of the women and children who benefited from this amazing organization.
My mom also helped coordinate the high school education program for The Spirit of Massachusetts for several years. My sister Hillary and many of our friends growing up attended (and loved!) this program which helped young people gain experience working on a historic sailing vessel.
When our stepdad Mike rode in the Pan Mass Challenge for several years, my mom was quick to sign us up to help staff the water stops along the way. Hillary, Meghann, Melanie and I would also “unofficially” volunteer along the side of the road, usually wearing crazy costumes to help lift the spirits of the exhausted cyclists as they rode up an arduous stretch.
Joan was very active in the St. Paul’s Church community in Newburyport, MA. She served on the Vestry and ran the clothing bazaar at the Fall Fair for several years. She was so dedicated to making this event a success that she tasked my sister and I with organizing the donated clothing not just by type, but by color and fabric as well (wool sweaters all neatly folded in one area!).
She instilled in Hillary and me the importance of giving back, an example that has informed our decisions in our careers and volunteer activities. Thanks Mom.
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- Olivia
A Kind Neighbor
I was Joan's neighbor here at Whipple Riverview. When I first moved here she invited me to tea and we had a great conversation, having so much in common. I have enjoyed her company many times over the past few years. She had such a positive attitude and a great sense of humor. I will miss her.
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- Donna
Welcoming Joan to the Straw Family
As a teenager, Joanie came to New England to baby-sit her Aunt’s young children for the summer. Joanie had been living in the South and found New England to be interesting and exciting. Her curiosity and zest to learn more was always very evident. She had a natural curiosity and loved learning. Joanie was living with her Aunt’s family, babysitting for the summer, when she met my brother. I don’t think it was long before they were smitten with each other. We loved for her to visit our home, which was across the street. We had more laughter from comparing Southern expressions to Northern ones, and her stories. Joanie loved to go places and see from different view points. She was able to make new friends and was very thoughtful. Our family loved Joanie and our times together. Through her marriage to my brother, she was able to travel to many other countries and experience other cultures. I think Joanie tried very hard to make the best of any situation. She had great sadness as a child, losing her father at a young age. Then losing her mother years later. I think her life became complete when she gave birth to two beautiful girls. They are a joy and a delight. Sometimes in this life we are given many bumps and knocks. I feel Joanie did the best she could with what she had to work with. It is with great sadness that she lost her fight for life with the coronavirus, as have 320,000 others. I will always have a thankfulness, appreciation, and a special place in my heart for a dear pilgrim on her journey.
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- Robert
Lifelong Friends
Joanie and I had been friends for 59 years when she passed. Not everyone is blessed with a best friend for that many years but I was. Over the years we supported each other through a number of things, some big and some little. We always knew that we could share anything that was on our mind or going on in our lives without judgment. We shared lots of laughter and tears over those years.
Our summers when we were kids were the best. We spent so much time at her cottage and in the water. If I wasn't there she was at my house. When I moved to NJ and CA she would visit. She was often my ride to or from the airport when I lived in CA. I was so happy to get back to MA and be able to visit her more often. Unfortunately COVID hit and that changed the visits.
I miss her everyday but know that someday in the future I will see her again in Heaven. Love you Joanie.
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- Kathy