SUNAPEE, NH– Joan Evans Chandler, 83, passed away peacefully on
September 24, 2024 at the Jack Byrne Hospice Center in Lebanon after a
period of declining health. She was born on October 31, 1940 in
Bridgton, Maine to the late James M. and Ada S. (Browne) Evans.
Joan spent her early years in Maine before moving to Stoneham, MA for a
short time and then, after her parents died, moving to Newport and then
finally to Sunapee. She graduated from Towle High School in Newport
and then attended NH Technical Institute in Manchester. Joan spent 37
years working for the Sunapee School District and was named School
Secretary of the Year in 2005. She retired in 2006.
Joan was passionate about everything artistic. She was an artist,
painter, writer, singer, and enjoyed drawing. She loved poetry, nature,
horses, all the Boston sports teams, and spending time with family and
friends. Joan met and married Rodney Chandler of Sunapee and they spent
54 years together before his death in 2015. They raised their family in
Sunapee and Joan was very involved in many groups and community
organizations in the Sunapee area. She was in writing groups, a singing
group, the Time Travelers, and had a core group of wonderful friends,
the Wild Women. She loved her family and especially her
great-grandkids, who lovingly called her, Old Nana.
She was predeceased by her parents; loving husband, Rodney Chandler; and
siblings, James and Muriel Evans.
Surviving family members include her children, Dean Chandler of
Thornton, and Diane Rankins and her husband, Leo, of Newbury; grandson,
Scott Rankins and his wife, Casey, of Bow; great-grandchildren, Isla and
Cameron; longtime special friend, Anna Duke; and many friends.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Lake Sunapee Region VNA, PO
Box 2209, New London, NH. 03257 or Sunapee Food Pantry, 23 Edgemont Rd.,
Sunapee, NH 03782.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday October 5 from 1-4 PM at
Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Newport, NH. Everyone is
welcome to wear their favorite Boston sport teams jersey. A private
burial will be held in South Sunapee Cemetery.
