Joette Carlton

HEBRON – Joette Carlton, 70, entered into eternal rest on May 27, 2025, after a brief illness with cancer.

Joette was raised in Mexico, Maine and graduated in 1972 from Mexico High School. She married the love of her life, Raymond “Tiny” Carlton, on Sept. 1, 1973. After finishing the CMVTI School of Practical Nursing in 1979 she went on to earn her Bachelors Degree of Science in Nursing from University of Southern Maine in 1997.

Joette was well known amongst the western Maine medical community and her impact as a registered nurse was never more evident than during her recent hospital stays and hospice visits as she was connected in some manner to nearly every doctor, nurse, and hospital staff member she encountered. Joette was a wife, mother, daughter, sister, grammie, aunt, cousin, niece, mentor, coworker, and friend to so many. Not only was she born at Rumford Hospital but she also spent her career caring for women and their babies there. She was a well respected nurse and tenacious advocate for patients and their families, all while maintaining a presence of grace, confidence, humor, and compassion. Her passing has left an unfillable hole in the hearts of so many.

Joette was a dedicated employee at Rumford Hospital for 27 years. Her time in maternity welcomed countless babies into the world while also caring for a range of other patients across departments. She worked several years at CMMC in the NICU to gain additional experience and skills that she brought back with her to Rumford Hospital. Over the years she also dedicated her time and nursing expertise to the workers of Meade Westvaco, CNA students at Region 9, and patients at Market Square Health Care Center and the Maine Veterans’ Homes in South Paris. Outside of nursing, Tiny and Joette purchased what would be known as Carlton’s Greenhouse in Dixfield which they owned and operated for 12 years. She spent countless hours planting and pruning the most beautiful plants around. Following her retirement from Rumford Hospital in 2016, Joette began teaching classes and working at the Oxford Mill End Store in 2020 where she shared her love of quilting with everyone who came through the door.

Joette was loved by so many for her tenacious spirit, ability to care for all, strong independent disposition, and light hearted humor. She loved going for long drives to explore new places, shopping (especially on QVC and at local quilt shops), snowmobiling, cooking, cleaning, decorating for every holiday, and spoiling her grandkids. Joette was a maker of all things, including mittens, hats, quilts, socks, dish cloths, and her famous spaghetti sauce to name a few. For all that knew her best can attest that if she was sitting she was knitting! Joette was also an avid gardener. Perhaps it was Honey Bee’s two green thumbs that made her perennial gardens so magnificent. She spent countless hours admiring the landscape of her backyard and all the critters that came by, including the deer, cardinals, hummingbirds, and that pesky gopher. After retirement she enjoyed spending time teaching quilting classes and hosting quilting get togethers with The Bees.

Her dedication and love for her family ran deep, working endlessly to make sure they were well cared for and had more than they could ever want or need. She never missed a birthday, holiday, special event, or any other reason for that matter to send a card, make a call, or decorate for the season. Life won’t be the same without her checking up on the kids and grandkids, cooking delicious family meals, making endless quilts to keep everyone warm and cozy, and always being the go to nurse for advice. Even though we can no longer hug and kiss her, she will always be with us. Just look around and you’ll find her presence in a bright red cardinal, beautiful flowers, an extravagant quilt, or a nice summer breeze.

Joette is survived by her son Michael Carlton of Hebron, daughter Amy (Chad) Pierce; grandson Jake Pierce, and granddaughter Maci Pierce of Rosharon, Texas; sister Dona (Richard) St Cyr of Delaware, sister Noreen Milledge (John) of Mexico, sister Sheila (Bruce) Weld of Dixfield, brother-in-law Dale (Diane) Carlton of Dixfield, sister-in-law Eileen Worster of Arundel, sister-in-law Ellen Young of Livermore. She was predeceased by her parents George and Ferdona Young; husband Raymond Carlton; son Scott Carlton; beloved schnauzer Chloe; brothers Gary Young and Steward Young, Sr., sister Delores Mowat; mother and father-in-law Kermit and Frances Carlton; and grandparents.

Friends and family may share memories of Joette at: http://www.meaderandson.com

At her request, a graveside service will be held in Dixfield at the Greenwood Cemetery on June 3, 2025 at 1 p.m.