JoAnn Stover - Online Memorial Website

To Lauren, Paul and families, JoAnn was my dear friend and mentor for more than twenty years. I first met her in the mid-eighties, when my friend Lisa and I answered an ad for her writing class in Keene. Thus began a series of writing classes in different towns in New Hampshire, as JoAnn in those days seemed to be always on the move! We shared a love of writing and reading books. The fact we had both grown up as only children somehow made us kindred spirits. JoAnn was an inspiration to me in so many ways. She was incredibly insightful when it came to critiquing fiction. Her suggestions for ‘The Dreamkeepers,’ a short story that became my first novel, were invaluable. Over the years JoAnn remained a loyal friend – listening, encouraging, giving wise advice. As for her own accomplishments, she was very modest. I always looked forward to my visits to her, and our time together flew by. She kept me up-to-date on her children and her grandchildren - and though I’ve not yet met them, I feel as if I know them all! At home in my office I am surrounded by JoAnn’s artwork and her books; each morning I awake to a painting she gave me that hangs on my bedroom wall. When I remember her, I think of her light-hearted pen-&-ink drawings, her whimsical children’s books, the luminous colors of her paintings, her sense of humor. I will miss her very much. Still, I take comfort in knowing that my life is much richer for having known JoAnn.

My sincerest condolences to your family. I recently re-read one of my childhood favorites, Mr. Widdle and the Sea Breeze, with my young son. He enjoyed it just as much as I did when I was his age. I couldn't help but think what a wonderful movie it would make. I researched contact info on Ms. Stover in the hopes of asking permission if I might write a screenplay from her book. It was then that I discovered that she had passed. My heart sunk. Although I did not know her personally, I knew her through that book. And knowing her only that much, I can understand why she will indeed be missed. But know that her legacy lives on in her books.

Though we lived just a few miles away, we wrote letters to each other for about eight years, about once a month.  I visited her four to five time a year. For such a private person as "Jo" (as she signed all her letters and postcards),I felt lucky she included me into her private world.  She knew that she was my mentor and inspiration, though she balked at these labels.  She taught me how to live, modeled for me how to simplify, how to prioritize the important things in life -- family, silence, painting.  We complained about the hulabaloo of society and the materialistic values of others, and laughed at our frugality. (She once told me to use a knife to sharpen drawing pencils because "sharpeners waste too much lead"). She taught me how to have fun without money while living the life of the starving artist. I brought all of my art to her for approval and suggestions.  Not a studio day goes by that I don't wonder what she would remark about my work.  She believed in me as I in her, and for that I shall be eternally grateful. 

To Jo Ann's Family; Lauren and Family and Paul and Family,

May you find comfort in knowing that so many to include us love Jo Ann. I have known her for so long and she is thought of so dearly.  Jon, my husband never actually met her, yet he marvels at her art and appreciated so much the friendship she had with all of us in my family.  He to some degree feels as though he knows her through me, my parents and her work.  Our hearts go out to you all always and especially at this most difficult time.  Please know that we are with you in thought and pray as we remember Jo Ann so fondly.  I remember that she loved color and she showed it in the way she lived.  May you all find peace.  We raise our hats to Jo Ann.  With love to you all, Jon and Dawn.

May you know that my deepest sympathies are with you all, Jo Ann's family.  I am saddened at her passing and yet I am so thankful to have known such a beautiful friend and woman.  Along with my sorrow, joy fights it's way through to remind me that my life is so enriched for knowing her and all the great times we shared.  I am a better person for knowing Jo Ann. You all are in my thoughts at this difficult time.  Hoping that you will all find peace, comfort and strength.  Remembering Jo Ann with love.

Dear Lauren and Paul and grandchildren;

JoAnn was a dear childhood friend who lived down the hill from us in Hancock, NH. She and your dad bought my parent's  house (Charles and Lillian Barrett) when you were very young. My sister Shirley and I always felt so glad that someone we knew and cared about was in our home. We both wrote and shared our "memoirs" with each other about the house a few years ago, and corresponded throughout the past few years.

God bless you all. Your mom was a courageous, lovely woman, who we will miss a lot.

Joanne Otis Pettengill

We remember holidays shared with JoAnn at both my parents' home and ours.  I could always sense her initial response of not wanting to be a burden, but then see her relish the invitation.  She would sit back and watch Adrian interact with Marygrace and Elizabeth, and one could see the delight in her eyes.  I know she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

My deepest heartfelt condolences to you and your family.  I know this is a difficult time in your life and my heart and prayers are with you. 

                                        

Do not stand at my grave and weep

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow

I am the diamond's glint on snow

I am the sunlight on ripening grain

I am the gentle autumn's rain

When you awaken in the morning's hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

of quiet birds in circled flight

I am the soft stars that shine at night

Do not stand at my grave and cry

I am not there, I did not die.

JoAnn was a gentle, quiet woman.  She cherished her children and her grandchildren and treasured the time she spent with her family.  She once wrote us a note where she quoted Thomas Moore...."Be foolish enough to have joy, no matter the circumstances."  It was this thought that sustained her in some of her most trying times.  As we morn her passing and celebrate her life, we hold fast to the fond memories of JoAnn Stover.