Joanne Richard
1935 – 2009

PHILLIPS — Joanne Richard passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Oct. 17, in the home she lived in for nearly 50 years. She was 74 years old.

She was born on Sept. 1, 1935, the eldest daughter of Roy and Arlene (Tufts) Haines. She was educated in the schools of Strong and graduated as the salutatorian of her class in 1953.

In 1955, she met the man of her dreams, Lewis Richard, after having chased him down the road to ask for a dance. They were married on Nov. 26, 1955, and celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 2005. Together they had five children, Shelley, Darlene, Jeffrey, Bonnie and Kimberley.

An avid cribbage player and lover of birds, flowers and holidays, she was known for her beautiful flower gardens in the summer and her unique style of decorating her house for every single holiday.

She served as the secretary/treasurer for the Strong Alumni Association for more than 12 years, as well as the secretary/treasurer for the Phillips Chamber of Commerce for more than 10 years. She was the secretary/treasurer for the Democratic Party and a diligent public servant serving as an elections poll worker for more than 30 years.

Most certainly the greatest pride and joys of “Nana’s” life were her five grandchildren, Aaron and Nathan Kinney, Serena Richard, Jordan Richard and Trevor Dolbier.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Lewis Richard; daughter, Shelley Richard and her daughter, Serena Richard of Phillips, daughter, Darlene Richard and her friends, Marie Pineau and Sue Peters of Wilton, son, Jeffrey Richard and his wife, Mary Sue and their son, Jordan of Rangeley, daughter, Bonnie Kinney and her husband, Eric and their sons, Aaron and Nathan of Phillips and daughter, Kimberley Dolbier and her husband, Noel and their son, Trevor of Rangeley; a sister, whom she considered her own daughter, Vicki Cook and her family of Phillips; as well as sister, Betty Haines of Farmington; sisters-in-law, Winona Davenport and Marjorie Richard, both of Phillips and Jennie Richard of Mexico; brother-in- law, Rodney Richard of Rangeley; and many special nieces and nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents, Roy and Arlene Haines; a sister, Judith White; and her very special “mother,” Helen Newell.

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