Joan G. Coombs

Joan G. Coombs, 89 of Bedford NH, formally of Bernardston, MA, and Friendship ME, passed on August 3, 2024, at home, following a brief illness. She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Allyn W. Coombs; as well as her parents, Francis W. Gagnon, Agnes (Pepin)Gagnon; sister, Jeanne Rowe; niece, Kathleen A. Gagnon; and nephew, Francis A. Gagnon Jr. She is survived by her three daughters; Candace S. Shipley and her husband Thomas E. of Norton, MA, Cynthia L. Fedyschyn and her husband Christopher P. of Bedford, NH, Kristin K. Coombs and her husband Mark W. Pierce of Essex, CT. Along with seven grandchildren: Jamison A. Shipley and his wife Claudia, Nathaniel T. Shipley, Melissa A. Fedyschyn, Christopher A. Fedyschyn and his wife Jenna, Jonathan Fedyschyn and his wife Abigail, William C. Pierce and Evan A. Pierce. She is also survived by 2 great grandchildren, Hattie Mae Fedyschyn and Ella Bea Fedyschyn; a niece, Kathleen M. Schaben and her family; and a nephew, William Rowe and his family. 

Travel was enjoyed by Joan and her husband, Allyn. They visited many of the Caribbean Islands over the years, as well as a number of National Parks. In later years they spent several months every winter on Manasota Key in Florida. Joan also made a special effort to visit her children and their families wherever they resided including Japan, California, Arizona, and Michigan.

Joan was born on October 9, 1934. Growing up in Shelburne, MA, she was active in Girl Scouts, achieving the highest award in Scouting, and enjoyed summers at Camp Kehonka on Lake Winnipesaukee in NH. She graduated from Arms Academy High School, Buckland MA, in 1953, attended Bates College in Lewiston, ME, and graduated from Wheelock College in Boston, MA with a B.A. in Education in 1957. Joan married Allyn W. Coombs from Colrain, MA in 1955. After marrying, she taught Elementary School in Amherst, MA for several years. Joan’s teaching background led to an awareness of the importance of education, especially higher education. She was instrumental in facilitating and providing funds for appropriate educational settings for her daughters and grandchildren. 

The majority of her career was spent managing factory buildings and a hydropower plant in the historic Ware Millyard in Ware, MA which she co-owned with her husband. Joan also maintained her involvement with the Girl Scout organization, serving both as a leader and a board member. 

In 1964, she and her husband, Allyn, purchased the majority of a small island off the Coast of Maine. They began spending summers on Morse Island with their 3 daughters and various pets; special ones being Thomas L. Cat, and Duke the Dog. Summer became a time when growing families gathered and enjoyed time together on the island. Both Joan and Allyn had a love of the natural world, and especially enjoyed sharing their knowledge and appreciation with their family.

Joan was an avid reader who passed on her love of reading to her family. Countless hours were spent in libraries and book stores. Collecting antiques and decorating were also a passion for Joan. She and Allyn frequented the Friday night auctions at Douglas Auctioneers in Deerfield, MA. They purchased a 1700’s historic home in Bernardston, MA in the mid-1990’s, and enjoyed restoring it and furnishing it with period antiques, reproductions and art by local artists. Their Bernardston home provided a special place for family holidays and gatherings. 

Joan will be remembered for her dedication to family, her love of nature, and belief in the importance of education. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday October 19th at 11:00AM at the Brick School Cemetery, Shelburne Line Rd., Colrain MA. A luncheon reception will follow at The Deerfield Inn, Old Main St., Deerfield MA.

“Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality” -Emily Dickinson