CLAREMONT, NH –Joan Mary Klementowicz Slade (81) of Claremont, New Hampshire, died peacefully on August 3, 2024, at home in the 1700s farmhouse that she and her late husband, Paul, lovingly restored over 35 years ago.
Joan was born in Claremont, NH, on February 2, 1943, to Benjamin Klementowicz and Jean Harewicz. She graduated from Stevens High School in 1961 and then attended Mt. Ida Secretarial School in Newton, MA.
One fateful day, she randomly met Paul Slade at Woolworths in Claremont. At home, that same day, she announced to her sister and mother that she had just met the man she would marry. They thought she was crazy. Joan and Paul were married on May 29, 1965, raised three children together, and celebrated over 40 years of marriage.
Joan was passionate about gardening, cooking, and her family. She also celebrated her Polish heritage through language, stories and recipes passed down from her family.
Outside the home, after always putting family first, she worked as a New England Telephone operator, a home healthcare aid, and operated her own interior painting and wallpapering business. Later, she owned Claremont’s fabric, wallpaper, and upholstery business “Fabriganza”. When she wasn’t hard at work, she enjoyed summer vacations on the beaches of Maine.
Joan lived life large and made the best of every situation. She had a quick wit and keen sense of humor. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Joan is survived by her son, Peter Slade and his husband Jeffrey St. Pierre of Gardiner, Maine; her daughter, Stephanie McNutt of Claremont, NH; her sister, Carol Feenstra of Newport, NH; her brother, Richard Klementowicz of Rochester, NH; her grandson, Benjamin Slade of Oceanside, NY; her granddaughter Emily McNutt and her great grandson, Luka of Charlestown, NH. She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Paul, and her youngest son, Matthew Slade.
At Joan’s request, there will be no services. A celebration of life will be announced later this fall on social media.
Arrangements are with Stringer Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 146 Broad Street, Claremont, NH 03743. To view an online memorial or send a private message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.
