Joan Marie Houle

Joan M. Houle, 62, of Goffstown died September 19, 2012 at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born on December 14, 1949 in Medford, MA the daughter of the late Walter Everett and Dorothy Evelyn (Moore) Jackman. She was raised in Burlington, MA and graduated from Burlington High School. She earned her RN degree at Middlesex Community College. She was a resident of the area for 22 years.

Joan worked as a nurse for the VA Medical Center in Bedford, MA and at Choate Hospital in Woburn, MA. After retiring 25 years ago she spent her time doing volunteer work. She was a CASA volunteer and was a foster parent, eventually adopting four children.

Joan loved cats and any and all animals. Her passions in life were the animals and the children.

She is survived by her husband of 22 years, Kenneth J. Houle of Goffstown, 6 children, Robert Franklin Gates, Jr. of Manchester, Walter Raymond Gates of New Boston, Debra Robin Houle of Goffstown, Zachary Joseph Houle of Goffstown, Addie Angelica Houle of Goffstown and Adam Noah Houle of Goffstown; 5 grandchildren, Ashlynd Rose Gates, Liam Everett Gates, Avery Hope Gates, Victoria Paige Gates and Lileigh Precious Gates and her sister, Carol Finch of Weare. She was predeceased by her sister Donna Gauvreau of Billerica, MA.


Her Memorial Gathering will be held at the Phaneuf Funeral Home, 250 Coolidge Ave, Manchester on Tuesday from 4-6PM with her service at 5:30PM. Complimentary valet parking will be available. In lieu of flowers donations in Joan's memory can be made to The American Diabetes Association, attn: Memorials, 1701 N Beauregard St., Alexandria VA 22311.