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Joan E. (Wilson) Roberts

New Ipswich, NH: Joan E. (Wilson) Roberts, 79, of Ashby Road, formerly of Townsend, died Friday, November 9, 2012, at her home surrounded by her family.

Joan E. (Wilson) RobertsJoan was born in Woonsocket, RI, July 31, 1933, the daughter of David and Edna (Heath) Wilson and resided many years in Townsend before moving to New Ipswich 26 years ago. She grew up in Westford and was a 1950 graduate of Westford Academy.
She leaves her husband of 61 years, Fred S. Roberts Sr; three sons, Fred Roberts Jr. and fiance Barbara King of East Corinth, ME, Michael Roberts and companion Deb Honkala of Townsend, Dennis Roberts and his wife Susan of Leominster; four daughters, Linda Roberts of Bennington, NH, Bethany Molter and husband Butch of Ashby, Heidi Johnson and husband John of New Ipswich, NH, Margaret Strickland and husband Randy of Branford, CT; two brothers, David Wilson and wife Elsie of Westford, Ralph Wilson and wife Barbara of Ayer; sixteen grandchildren, Melonie Fetterman, Heather Roberts, Melissa Senecal, Tim Roberts, Corine Farnsworth, Kimberly Leano, Jodie and Jill Nickerson, Justin and Craig Roberts, Darrell Gyles, Carrissa, April and Erik DeBettencourt, Aaron and Lawrence Doucette; 3 step grandchildren, Todd and Erin Molter, Michelle Strickland; 24 great grandchildren, Emma, Grace, Matthew, Alydia, Deshaun, Cody, Hannah, Olivia, Gwen, Evin, Chloe, Isabelle, Jackson, Dexter, Samantha, Elizabeth, Makayla, Leana, Mason, Evan, Brennan, Trystan, Lilianna and Taegan; very special people, Kathy Donaldson, June Archer and Joanne Caldwell.

She was predeceased by her infant grandson, Patrick DeBettencourt; two brothers, Russell and Ernest Wilson.

Joan worked at Abbott Worsted in Forge Village before starting her family on the Whitcomb Farm in Littleton. In 1963 the family moved to Townsend where she was “a mother” to many of the neighborhood children on South Row Road, while raising her own family. From 1970 to 1985, she owned and helped operate the family farm in West Townsend. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting and playing the piano. But the “center of her life” was her family. A beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother. She will be sadly missed and always cherished by her loved ones.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Jaffrey, NH who went above and beyond to grant Joan’s wishes.

Arrangements

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 14, 2012, at Bellevue Cemetery, Still River Road, Harvard.

Calling hours are 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, at the T.J. Anderson & Son Funeral Home, 250 Main Street (Rte 119), Townsend center. Please see www.andersonfuneral.com for additional information.

Memorial contributions maybe made to National Kidney Foundation
30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016


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  • Nancy Ruggles

    Hardwick, MA
    December 1, 2012 12:44 pm

    Dear Roberts’ Family, Our hearts ache with the passing of our dear Aunt Joan. You all will be in our prayers during this difficult time. May she be watching over all of us and continue to guide! All our love, Nancy & Ken and family


  • Laurie Atwood

    Pownal, Maine
    November 15, 2012 7:20 pm

    Dear Bethany, Heidi & Michael and all of your families, I am so sorry to hear of your dear mother’s passing. She really was a very sweet woman with a big, warm heart which is so evident in her children and their children and theirs… Big hugs to all of you xo


  • Bob & Carole Stone

    Barrington NH
    November 15, 2012 10:10 am

    So very sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. We were neighbors across the street on Greenville Rd. late 70′s early 80′s.


  • Karen & Greg Mack

    Poland, Maine
    November 13, 2012 3:49 pm

    Our thoughts and Prayers are with you during this difficult time. She was very much loved by all.


  • Daniel Schrock

    Nashua, NH
    November 13, 2012 1:49 pm

    Fred, Heidi, Bethany and family, my thoughts and prayers to you during this difficult period. She was always remembered as my first babysitter, and her love of family and life and neighbors on South Row Road will always be fondly remembered. I am sure that my mother and Joan are already sharing those memories. Godspeed.


  • Brian & Rebecca Borneman

    Townsend, MA
    November 13, 2012 1:03 pm

    Heidi, John and family, Our families thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.


  • Barbara Ammendolia

    Townsend
    November 12, 2012 8:46 pm

    Very sorry to hear of your loss. Hiedi, I did not know your mom but did hear stories and I know she will be missed. My thoughts are with you.


  • Richard and Penny Halpin

    Littleton,Ma
    November 12, 2012 5:56 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers goes out to your family ,so sorry for your lost


  • Gail Archer Shappee and family

    New Jersey
    November 12, 2012 1:32 am

    The memory of “Mrs. Roberts” will live on in our hearts forever! May you all find strength in the love of family and the warm embrace of friends. No person is ever truly alone as those we have loved and lost echo still in our thoughts, our words, and our hearts. Your mother’s love & kindness has left an indelible imprint in our memories and those of us fortunate to have known her can find comfort in knowing our lives have been enriched by having known Mrs. Roberts! I too am one of her South Row Road kids who has been blessed by being loved by my “second” mother who made me her special pudding. I consider you part of my extended family and you have my heartfelt condolences. God Bless!


  • Michele Duncan

    Leominster
    November 11, 2012 10:24 pm

    So sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts are with you during this sad time.


  • Andrea Thibaudeau

    North Leominster
    November 11, 2012 9:59 pm

    to the family of Beth molter
    i am so sorry about your mother and loving grandmother to her grand kids. she is a wonderful and warmhearted person.she loves her family with all of her heart. and she will always be in your heart.


  • Aaron Doucette

    Haverhill Ma
    November 11, 2012 9:46 pm

    love and miss you grandma. in your words “TOODALOO CHEERIO” for now. hopefully on wednesday and thursday we will celebrate your life and not mourn your passing.


  • Ida Druge

    Lebanon maine
    November 11, 2012 9:40 pm

    Hi Beth,Mike and the family,
    I am so sorry to hear about your mom , i didn’t know she was sick. know i am here for you, if there is anything i can do..
    luv Ida


  • Heidi Schrock Crim

    Townsend, Ma
    November 11, 2012 7:48 pm

    Sending strength to all of you, sorry this chapter in life has come to your family. Me and my brothers were lucky enough to be under your Mother’s caring watch during our childhood. Thank you for sharing her during on growing years, she is part of who we have become. Heaven is lucky to have her, She is probably sharing stories with my Mom… Godspeed.


  • Anne shaughnessy Romano

    November 11, 2012 6:49 pm

    Dear Beth, Michael & Family,
    My thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this very difficult time. May the memories you have of the wonderful time with your mom live on in your hearts and minds. A mother’s love knows no boundaries….God Bless, Ann Shaughnessy Romano


  • Carol Roberts

    Junction City, OR
    November 11, 2012 1:55 pm

    I will always remember my Aunt Joan with loving memories. She was the best aunt anybody could ever want. She always made you feel welcoming and she truly cared about you. I am thankful for all the times I had with her. She is up there watching over us. She is with my father – his brother and sisters and they are celebrating. Love you all at this time of need.


  • April debettencourt

    New Ipswich NH
    November 11, 2012 9:16 am

    I love you gramma we all miss and love you so much you will forever be in our hearts <3


  • Mary Archer Smart

    Chester, NH
    November 10, 2012 11:50 pm

    Sending my Love and prayers to your family. I was one of her neighborhood daughters and I loved her for that. She was always there for our family. She will be greatly missed. God has another beautiful Angel to look over us.
    Her and my Dad are probably are probably up there swapping stories. Love you guys!!!


  • Lorraine Dufour

    Punta Gorda, Florida
    November 10, 2012 4:19 pm

    I was saddened to learn of Joan’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. She was a lovely person. Lorraine Dufour, Punta Gorda, Florida