Ellsworth
On May 23, 1931, in the village of Springfield, a daughter, Joanne Lula was born to Eric and Eula (Averill) Ham.
She grew up on the family farm and was very much loved. She graduated from Lee Academy, salutatorian of the class of 1949. Joanne attended Eastern Maine General Hospital for a short time, studying nursing; a skill she would use taking care of West Street (Princeton) neighborhood children. In 1951 she married F Dale Speed, the love of her life. Together they had three children, Eric Dean, Suellen Dale, and Jon Alan. She dedicated her life to doing the very best for her children and their children. She loved being a mother and nana.
Joanne’s work history included the IGA, the Co-operative Extension service, and the Princeton Variety. Besides spending time with family Joanne enjoyed gardening, lawn mowing, pitcher collecting, and fishing. She was also a great shot with a 4-10.
She passed, July 16, 2022, at her daughter’s home, in Ellsworth. She was predeceased by her parents, her loving husband, Dale, her son, Jon and her brother, Rodney Ham. Among those she leaves behind are son Eric and wife Sandy, and daughter Suellen Speed and Douglas Jones. She also leaves behind Eric and Sandy’s children Mark (Alyssa) Speed; Jennifer (Brandon) Stonehocker, and Jon’s children; Erika (Tony) Young, Andrew (Lori) Speed, and Benjamin (Sarina) Speed. Others she leaves behind include her precious great grandchildren, Jamison, Kallen, and Landrie Speed; Declan and Brycen Young; Noah and Larkin Speed; and Kaya Stonehocker; nieces, Tina Padilla and Lori Moore survive their Aunt Joannie, as does sister-in-law Christine Ham.
We love her more than seems possible, and cherish the time we had with her, as well as the memories we made with her. She was the best.
A
t her request there will be no public service. Her ashes will be placed in the Princeton Cemetery.
Arrangements by Acadia Burial & Cremation Direct, 248 State St. Ellsworth
Condolences may be expressed at www.acadiacremation.com
3 Condolences
So sorry to read that you have lost your mother, Suellen. I remember her kindness and the twinkle in her eye.
We are sorry to hear of Joanne’s passing and we offer our sympathy to all who are grieving. However, we know she was waiting to see her Lord and we can take comfort in that. She was a good friend and vital part of the community of Princeton for many years. Over the years she and Dale had many many friends here.
My family and I will cherish our memories of our precious Aunt Joannie. She was a big part of my youth—especially when my dad, her brother, spent a year remote in Thailand while active duty with the USAF and my mom, sister and I lived with my Grampa Eric (her dad) at his home in Springfield. We had many wonderful reunions and family visits over the years. The times we stayed at her camp on Big Lake were full of love, laughter and the best food on the planet. Her special little giggle sound that she made when giving big ole hugs—I can still almost hear it and feel it. She always smelled like cookies, clean laundry and love to me. As an adult, I called her my “angel Aunt Joannie”—and she is and always will be. My family and I will be forever grateful for her loving presence in our lives. My condolences to all that love her and will miss her this side of Heaven.
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