JoAnn Stover - Online Memorial Website

Over fifteen years ago, I came to know you, JoAnn.  You opened your home to several of us writers.  It was over the course of several years that we wrote our books and formed a close bond with each other.  JoAnn, your warm personality and genuine interest in our work and us was evident.  You inspired us to write and led by example.  You had successfully published children’s books earlier and often illustrated them yourself.  How impressed we were!

I remember your humility and when you struggled to overcome health problems, you never complained, but accepted whatever came your way with grace.

My fondest memories are those when you and I would sit at your table sipping tea and enjoying the conversation.  I rarely drive by Gilmore Pond, JoAnn but thoughts of you flow sweetly through my mind.  Because you reached out and touched our lives we, writers have wonderful memories and books that are finished and published. 

When sadness comes, I will take time to read your stories, and consider your painting that hangs on my wall.  In these your voice can still be heard.  Missing you and thankful that God brought us together for that time.

There have not been too many people in my life that have given so totally of themselves, as JoAnn. It was her gift. JoAnn's paintings were not to be seen at eye level. They were visions of color, light and spirit that demanded a higher elevation in order to fully appreciate. 

 

There was a time when I became deathly ill during my pregnancy in 1993. I was visiting family out of Maine. There were not many people who were able to face me. Yet, JoAnn sent letters and small watercolor paintings of how she felt about my state of being. Those images deeply affected me because they spoke of my pain: JoAnn felt my pain. She was completely empathetic. I framed them and they are part of my life... even now, 16 years later, they are still on the walls of my home. You will always be a living part of me... always a gift.

Madeleine 

   It was a warm spring night as I recall.  The local recreation center in Keene, N.H. was hosting a dance of free expression.  It was a beautiful time.  Music played as you danced and moved around the floor, expressing yourself freely.  Jo Ann had asked my mom, another girl, Cara and me to join her.  I did not know what to expect and I really had no idea how to dress.  I wore long sleeves and the center became so overwhelmingly hot.  No air conditioners and just a few windows made for a hot atmosphere with no air circulating as I danced my way around the room.  Even so the night was a hit! We enjoyed the time and each others company.  I remember thinking about butterflies and how I felt like one as I made my way through the night.  Looking at all the people, I too remember thinking that we were all like butterflies, a monarch with our hands in the air, gliding in and out of the other people.  We were so free feeling for this one moment.  It was a night to remember.  Thank you, Jo Ann. 

     Jo Ann came into our lives one fall day, touching us in ways she will probably never know and in more ways than we can carry in two hands.  She came looking for a simple place to stay and ended up making it her home for three years.  Through the years Jo Ann’s smile lit up our lives and gave us joy by her presence.  The portrait she did of me will always be special and I will keep it forever, holding it close.  I cannot do it justice; she is and was a true talent.  When I told her that I wanted to be a writer, she gave me a book that I will carry with me always along with her sound advice and wisdom on the matter.  She helped me to see and understand how people seem to be in your corner (in regards to writing), using your work, appearing to do the right thing, but they are not.  This is an invaluable gift she gave to me and I am forever grateful.

     Jo Ann, you quietly and beautifully walked the earth, touching so many, many lives.  Thank you for giving your spirit and friendship so gracefully and for adding meaning for so many people.  Your books are a joy to all of us.  Speaking on behalf of my parents; they are enriched for knowing you as I am.  My father felt that your talent and eye for art made you a true, pure and beloved talent.  He respected you and your work and wished he had a glimmer of this for himself.  I dare say he did without realizing it.  Mom so enjoyed your many letters and found them to be extremely interesting to read.  I am glad, very glad that my parents could share these things with you along with your wonderful friendship.  Again, I thank you Jo Ann.

     Jo Ann, you are one of the meek and humble and you have given so much to so many just by your presence.  I am thrilled that you shared your life and love, talent and wisdom, beauty and your world with me.  Wishing there were more times spent, I am a better person for knowing you.  I will cherish all the things you have bestowed upon me; you, your friendship, paintings, love and wisdom.  My heart will carry you with me, wherever I go.   You are special Jo Ann, dear one.  I will remember you always with true affection for the person and friend you are.   Please forgive me if I don’t think of all our times within this memory, there are many and as time goes on I will always think of you and those times.  Keep dancing Jo Ann, free like a butterfly.  Remember to save a spot on the dance floor for me.  I love you Jo Ann.

    

 

My husband, Richard and I had the pleasure of meeting Jo Ann when she rented an apartment from us in Keene, New Hampshire.  It was a happy day indeed!  Jo Ann's soft spoken voice and pleasing personality was most appealing.  The chemistry among the three of us rose to an immediate high.  Richard painted as a hobby using different mediums of which Jo Ann was always willing to critique and offer suggestions.  At the time, Jo Ann was teaching at Keene State College and found time on the weekends to do portraitures of three of our children.  We marveled at her ability to write captivating children's stories which, with her expressive illustrations taught children, life's lessons.  Many adults benefitted from her teachings as well.  Later on, Richard and I moved to Maine where we had a bed and breakfast inn.  By then, Jo Ann was spending her summers in York, Maine.  Our friendships grew in spite of our seperation and we were determined to visit as often as possible regardless of the distance between us.  This we did and we commended Jo Ann for her arduous two hour travel each way when she visited us in Tenant's Harbor, Maine.  What glorious day they were!  Those days were a grand experience just to be able to enjoy each other's company.  Going to Marshall Point Lighthouse, relaxing and visiting while listening to the waves lap against the rocks was the hightlight of each day.  Since then, the three of us moved again.  Jo Ann to Hampton, New Hampshire while Richard and myself moved to Cape Cod, Massachusetts and still managed to visit whenever time and health would permit.  Those times, because they became less and less, were never long enough for any of us.  It was such a perfect friendship.  We appreciated and respected each other to the fullest which was rewarding for all of us, always.  Sadly, Richard passed in May of 2007.  It was apparent at that time of the severity of Jo Ann's illness although she never complained.  Outwardly, she accepted all she had to endure and never lamented even as her illness worsened.  Our admiration of her positive attitude and tenacity throughout all of it touched our entire family.  Not only did her books contain lessons, her life taught all of us to focus on the things that mattered most - an inspiration assuredly.  I miss her, dear Jo Ann and surely will miss her beautiful, interesting letters.  They were gems!!  We were extremely fortunate in knowing Jo Ann.  Becoming steadfast friends for almost 30 years was a true blessing.  Here memories are cherished and always will be.  Thank you Jo Ann for sharing you with us.  We will forever love you Jo Ann.

I knew JoAnn from taking painting classes with her and she was a wonderful. encouraging teacher. She was one of those rare people who could offer feedback in a way that didn't hurt my feelings, which was important to me as artist lacking confidence and easily discouraged. Like many good artists, she was full of great insights, humor, and had a quirky, creative way of looking at the world that I really enjoyed. I loved the way she related to my young son, and the way she talked about her family with such love and appreciation of who they were.I haven't seen her in a long time, but think of her every time I see a tiny seascape she gave me that sits on a shelf in my house. I think she enjoyed the big picture in life,  but also the tiny, important details. So sorry that she is gone.