Joan Rae Isham

Joan Rae (Ramsdell) Isham, 85, from St. Johnsbury, VT passed away peacefully, after a long illness,  on November 17, 2022 at the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehab Center with her family by her side

She was born in Lancaster, NH on August 24, 1937 to Ruth and Henry Ramsdell and married Leonard "Bud" Isham on October 1, 1955.

Joan graduated from Concord High School, Concord VT in 1955 and in later years, graduated college from Lyndon State College in Lyndonville, VT

She enjoyed several careers including an elementary school Teacher, a secretary at Fairbanks, and an independent mail contractor for the United States Postal Service

Joan was a member of the United Grace Methodist Church in St. Johnsbury and a member of the General Federation of Women's Club where she ranked Secretary and later President of the Vermont Chapter.

She was extremely independent and enjoyed having her family around especially during holidays and parties.  Her passion was traveling which she did extensively, visiting every state in the Union except 2.  

Joan is survived by her Children, Keith Isham and Teresa of Kirby, Pam Robie of St. Johnsbury, Jeff Isham of Newbury, her Grandchildren Nate Couture, Nichole White, Brandon Isham, Katie Dupont, Jennifer Warren and Ryan Robie.  She is also survived by her sisters, Brenda Easter of Winter Haven, FL and Sharon Moore and Tom of St. Johnsbury.  Several great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, many friends and a very special friend, Lois Ward of St. Johnsbury.

She is predeceased by her husband Leonard "Bud" Isham in 1989, a daughter, Teal (Isham) Couture in 2018, a grandson, Jacob Isham in 2017, her parents Ruth (Hughes) and Henry Ramsdell, Sister Carol Streeter, brother in law Carl Streeter and a brother in law, Gene Easter.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday November 28, 2022 from 5 pm to 7 pm at Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street, St. Johnsbury, VT.  A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 2 pm at the Grace United Methodist Church on Central Street, St. Johnsbury, VT.  

Burial will take place on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 1:30 PM at the Overlook Cemetery in East Concord, VT.

If you so choose, donations in Joan’s memory can be made to Caledonia Home Health Care and Hospice, https://www.nchcvt.org/support/donate-today/, 165 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

***********

A graveside service will be held at 1:30 PM on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the Overlook Cemetery in East Concord, VT.