Joanne Thayer Walker, 84, of Wolfeboro, N.H., passed away peacefully June 25 at her home she shared with her niece, Maryanne Ritchie-Porter. Joanne was born Dec. 16, 1931, in Melrose, Mass. to the late Bigelow and Elizabeth (Smith) Hersey. Joanne attended Melrose High School and also graduated Class of ’53 Salutatorian of Wheelock College, Boston, with a BS in Education. Joanne worked for the Governor Wentworth Regional School District for 28 years, as a Kindergarten teacher at Carpenter School, Wolfeboro, N.H., Alton School District for two years and, later, at the New Durham Elementary School for 21 years. New Durham Elementary School Parents and Teachers Organization dedicated the Joanne T. Walker Playground to her when she retired.
She was the former Director of the Carroll County Mental Health and former President of the NH Mental Health Board. She was also involved with People to People Ambassador program from New Durham Elementary to its sister school in St. Petersburg, Russia. She was a pioneer and lifelong advocate of Early Reading Intervention, and was well-versed in Reading Recovery. Joanne was an avid educator, as well as lifelong learner. She traveled all over the world on a personal mission of educating and teaching. She also loved supporting the arts, culture and music.
Joanne was preceded in death by her older sister Jean (Hersey) White.
Joanne is survived by her younger brother, Peter B. Hersey of Middlebury, Ind.; daughters, Sylvie L. Walker of Albuquerque, N.M., and Kathryn L. Ritchie of Wolfeboro, N.H.; grandchildren, Ana Walker, and W. Morgan Fetner; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will held from 6-8 p.m., Thurs., June 30 at Lord Funeral Home, 23 Club Lane, Wolfeboro, N.H. A celebration will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home on June 30.
If you wish to express condolences or leave a fond memory please visit www.lordfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in her memory to Westport Island Community Association, 6 Fowles Point Rd., Westport Island, ME 04578; New Durham Charitable Trust Fund, NDCTF, PO Box 85, New Durham, NH 03855; or donate to music or reading programs to assist children in learning.
