Joanne Vose Johnston, 86, of Jefferson, and a resident of Cove’s Edge in Damariscotta for the past 18 months, passed away on Feb. 27. She was born in Cambridge, Mass. on April 11, 1931, the daughter of Charles Vose Sr. and Hazel (Scofield) Vose. Jo attended Northfield School for Girls in Massachusetts, Sargent College for her bachelor’s degree, and NYU for her master’s degree.
Jo’s career was in teaching physical education, health and art, as well as coaching girls’ basketball and field hockey in Virginia, New Jersey and Maine, including Medomak Valley High School. One of her teams won the state championship in field hockey.
Jo married the love of her life, Erland Johnston, on Aug. 30, 1986. They were pronounced husband and wife in an airplane flying over the Bunker Hill Church, as the church bell rang and family and friends cheered from below; Jo often reflected that this was one of her fondest memories. They lived on Vose Road in Jefferson, and were very busy with hiking, cross-country skiing, flower and vegetable gardens, and many projects. Jo was also an artist, and listed “finishing a good painting” as one of her most important accomplishments.
Jo spent many years collecting and re-selling antiques, a passion she shared with an uncle. Once married to Erland, they ran Bunker Hill Antiques, as well as an antique shop on Route One in Wiscasset, and traveled throughout New England to antique shows. She also enjoyed traveling and vacationing in Scotland, England, Canada and Aruba. They both also loved cats, and for many years doted on their beloved red and white cat, Diamond.
Jo was very supportive of her community. She was active in both the Bunker Hill and Damariscotta Baptist churches, singing in the choir and helping to organize the Christmas Carol Sing. She was a long term member of the Bunker Hill Grange, Ladies Aid and Community Club, and served on the committee to organize Jefferson Days.
Jo was predeceased by her husband of 25 years, Erland Johnston, on Nov. 19, 2011; and brother, Charles Jr.
She is survived by nieces, Holly Doody of Cushing, Margaret Noga of Weare, N.H., Susan Lucuk of Ansonia, Conn.; and nephew, Charles Vose of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
There will be a private burial for family and close friends in the Weeks Cemetery in Jefferson. A celebration of life will be held at the Damariscotta Baptist Church at 1 p.m., Sat., April 14, followed by a reception with light refreshments.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial contribution in her name, may do so to either of the following organizations that were near and dear to her heart: the Damariscotta Baptist Church, 4 Bristol Rd., Damariscotta, ME 04543; or Lincoln County Animal Shelter, PO Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04556.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.