Joan R. Akeley

Joan R. Akeley, 82, of Concord, NH passed away peacefully in her sleep early the morning of March 30th after a brief illness.

Joan, known as Jodie to friends and family, was born in Bangor, ME on September 18, 1930, daughter of the late Eugene K. and Joan (Mullett) Rowe. She was raised in Maine attending Coney High School, Presque Isle High School, and Aroostook State Normal School. Jodie married Carroll R. Akeley of Presque Isle, in 1952. They made their home in Suffield, CT for 35 years, moved to Conway, SC where they enjoyed retirement, spending summers at Hammond's Grove in Manchester, ME. Jodie taught elementary school in Bangor, ME and Suffield, CT. She was an accomplished pianist who taught lessons and accompanied the school choruses in Suffield and Windsor Locks, CT from 1986 – 1991.

Jodie had a deep love of music and the theater. She was a member of amateur theater groups in Suffield and Conway. She enjoyed acting in and attending plays and participated in many choral groups over the years. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Jodie enjoyed sewing, cooking, traveling and entertaining. She was also an active member of First Church of Christ, Congregational in Suffield, serving as their first female deacon.

Jodie is survived by Carroll, her husband of 61 years; daughter, Anne A. Rogers and her husband, John of Weare, NH; sons, Brian D. Akeley of Hampden, ME and Christopher J. Akeley and his wife, Susan of Walpole, MA; grandchildren, Alison Smith, Hillary Kestler, and Barton, Lauren, Caitlin, Kyle and Owen Akeley; great-grandsons, Charlie, Nate and Deacon; sister, Mary-Jean Miner of Oak Bluffs, MA; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

A memorial service will be held in Suffield, CT. at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Akeley Family Scholarship Fund c/o Aroostook County Savings and Loan, 43 High St, Caribou ME 04736 or Music On High c/o First Church of Christ, 81 High St, Suffield CT 06078.