Joan R. Thompson

JOAN R. THOMPSON
November 16, 1932 – September 24, 2018

LITTLETON – Joan Ruth Thompson, 85, of Littleton, died peacefully September 24, 2018 at Littleton Regional Healthcare following a period of declining health. It was late afternoon on a beautiful autumn day, with the sun beginning to set and the harvest moon on the rise, and while being held tenderly in her daughter's arms, her son holding her hand, and dear family friend, Kendra, at her side, she took her last breath. For the past two months, she was able to be at home and she was cared for by her son and daughter.

Joan was born in Waterford, Vermont on November 16, 1932 to Fred Dexter Pierce and Nellie Hardwick (Moyse) Pierce. Her mother died from complications when she was only three days old and she was adopted by Ruth (Pierce) Lillicrap and raised on the Pierce family homestead in Waterford, VT at the corner of Route 18 and Cross Road. She was loved and cared for by her adoptive mother and her grandmother, Florence Dexter Pierce, after Ruth's husband, Clarence Lillicrap, died in 1933. Her father remained a presence in her life and she and her children would spend time with him in the summer.

She attended school in Concord, VT before moving to Dalton, NH with her mother and step-father, Lewis Boyle, a Dalton native. The family relocated to Littleton where Joan continued her education, graduating from Littleton High School.

On September 26, 1953, she married her beloved husband, Roland E. Thompson, and they made their home and raised their three children in Littleton. They were married for 56 years at the time of Roland's death in February 2010 and they celebrated their 65th anniversary in heaven.

Joan was a familiar face to many. She cared for children in her home when her children were young then later worked at Littleton Coin Company, U.S.E.A.S.A (United States Eastern Amateur Ski Association) and Supervisory Union #35 from which she retired in 1996. After her retirement, she worked part-time at Brooks in Littleton and you could be sure you would be greeted by her friendly hello and a smile. She retired from Brooks after ten years in order to care for her husband due to his declining health.

Her family was her passion and the bond between Joan and her children was evident to all who knew them. She was especially devoted to her son, David, and she would do anything within her means to care for, support and protect him. They were constant companions and seldom did you see one without the other no matter where it was. They had a daily routine "to just get out of the house to see what's happening around town". She was the pilot and David her co-pilot.

During her life, Joan enjoyed camping, cookouts, and playing cribbage with good friends on a Saturday night. Later on, it was sitting quietly to watch the birds at the feeder, read a good book or watch her favorite TV shows (especially Golden Girls and Everybody Loves Raymond) and we can't forget her love of sweets, especially if it was raspberry or strawberry. She loved the coast of Maine, particularly Wells Beach, and she enjoyed the time spent there with her husband and son, then later for many years, with her daughter each June and in September with her daughter and her "beach buddies". She loved visits with her great grandchildren, Aiden and Evyenia, who she adored. She was their "Mimi" and she cherished every moment with them.

She will be remembered for her passion for life, easy going nature, warm smile, wonderful sense of humor and her ability to always find something to laugh about, even in the most challenging times. It was during these challenging times that her strength of character, her resiliency and her courage would shine! She was kind, compassionate, generous, selfless and humble, and sometimes a bit feisty, all of which endeared her to those who have been a part of her life. We are all a little better for having known her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter Brenda in September 1970; and, her husband Roland in February 2010.

Joan is survived by her son, David Thompson of Littleton; her daughter and son-in-law, Shari and Tom Fenoff of Littleton; grandson Steven Fenoff and wife Matina and great-grandchildren Aiden and Evyenia of Littleton; her kitty, Jenny, and many special friends.

SERVICES -- There will be no calling hours. A graveside service to celebrate her life will be held on Thursday, October 18 at 11:30 a.m. at the Glenwood Cemetery (in the circular section by the pond) with the Rev. Lyn Winter officiating.

Immediately following the service, there will be a gathering at the home of Carol MacIver, 310 Slate Ledge Road, Littleton. Please join us to share your favorite memory.

At the family's request, in lieu of flowers, they ask that you consider a contribution in Joan's memory to one of the following: a charity of your choosing for those less fortunate, or, one of the local animal shelters: (for cats) Second Chance Animal Rescue, 1517 Meadow Street, Littleton NH 03561; (for dogs) Above the Notch Humane Society, PO Box 98, Sugar Hill NH 03580.

We were so blessed to have had such an amazingly strong mom to love us, to teach us and to guide us through this journey called life. She was, and will always be, our superhero. She is deeply missed and will be forever in our hearts. Shari and David