Joan L. Mathurin

A dedicated teacher. A devoted life partner. A caring mother and grandmother. These are just a few of the ways that Joan Lowrey Mathurin could be described. At the age of 93, she passed away peacefully in the Taylor Back Bay Retirement Community (Wolfeboro, NH), having resided in the state of New Hampshire for her entire life. Joan, who pronounced her name JoAnn, was a long-time local resident who lived in her Conway home for 61 years. The third of five children born to Marian and Richard Lowrey in Whitefield, NH, Joan often shared stories of her happy childhood. She matriculated at Keene State College after graduating from Whitefield High School. As a teacher in SAU#9, Joan found her twin passions—education and her husband, Bill Mathurin. Bill was driving upstate every weekend to see a woman friend, and Joan wanted to visit her parents in Whitefield. A fellow teacher suggested that Joan ask Bill for a ride. To hear Joan tell the tale, it was love at first sight. For many years, Joan was a teacher in North Conway’s John H. Fuller School, where Bill eventually became school principal. Former students recall that her kind nature and high standards motivated them to achieve. Always a math teacher at heart, Joan took great pride in handling the family budgets and preparing tax returns on the home front. Directing the school chorus was another feather in Joan’s educator cap. Her love of music was inspired by her father, a professional musician who conducted the orchestra at Whitefield’s Mountain View Resort. Joan’s activity of choice was often a concert at the Stone Mountain Arts Center (SMAC). She also read voraciously, offering incisive commentaries about the latest new novels. Joan and Bill raised a daughter, Stephanie, who considers her own love of history and literature to be a gift from her mother. Those who knew Joan best appreciated her stealthy dry wit. Quiet in group situations, she could create howls of laughter with one quick and unexpected quip. Joan and Bill retired together in June of 1986. Retirement was a special time for Joan, who delighted in trips to Jekyll Island, Georgia. During these years, Joan revealed grandparent superpowers. This retired teacher had myriad ideas for entertaining and engaging children. One of her tricks was leaving little treats under pillows when there was no special occasion. Joan could be just as excited as a child during visits to Story Land or Santa’s Village, and White Lake State Park was her favorite spot for building sandcastles. Joan’s three grandchildren consider themselves blessed to have been touched by the warmth of her affection. Joan’s beloved husband passed away in 2009 after a five-year cancer journey. During Bill’s illness, Joan was the consummate caregiver. Widowhood wasn’t easy, but she found solace in her family and a small circle of friends. She enjoyed the little things—her favorite candy (Ferrero Rocher), puzzles, and journal writing. Joan made a habit of recording life’s details. Joan is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie Mathurin and John Hedden of Eaton, NH and Washington, DC, three grandchildren, Adele, Lottie, and Philip Hedden, and one great-granddaughter, Frances Hedden. Arrangements were made through Furber Funeral Home and Cremation Services. She left clear instructions to forego a memorial service, requesting a family-only gathering when she is laid to rest beside her dearest Bill. No flowers, please. After Bill’s experience with cancer, Joan’s favorite charity was Jen’s Friends.