Joan Davis West

Joan (Jo) Davis West , 8 7 , of Fremont, NH passed away surrounded by family, Mon day morning August 3 0, 2021. She was born February 3 , 193 4 , in Lynn , MA, the daughter of Winthrop H. Davis and Edith E. Lawrence .

Jo graduated from Meriden, CT High School, Lesley College in Cambridge, MA receiv ing a B S in Education in 195 6 and Marymount College of Virginia with a degree in Nursing in 1976 . Sh e met the love of h er life, Edwin Allyn West, Jr. in Boston. They were married on July 20, 1957, in Meriden CT.  Recently they celebrated their 64th anniversary.

Jo started out teaching elementary school in Providence, RI. Then s h e raised a family of four children. For many years she was also active in her children’s schools and as Director of Christian Education at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Arlington, VA.  Jo worked as RN at Arlington Hospital and rose to become Head Nurse.

Sh e and Allyn move d to Sharon, VT in 1984 to enjoy their special place on 26 acres in the country, w here Allyn designed and built a home . There s he continued her nursing work as Director of Nursing Services at Etna Valley in Lebanon, NH, and office nurse for Peter D. Dake , M.D. in Sharon, VT , retiring fully i n 1995. In early life crewel embroidery and sewing were favorite activities. In Sharon she started rug hooking making several room sized rugs for their home as well as hooking rugs for her children and grandchildren .  For several years, her rugs and needlepoint won first prize and “best in show” at the Tunbridge Fair. She particularly enjoyed the beauty of nature and wildlife through her walks in the woods and creating a meadow filled with wildflowers.

In 2004, Jo and Allyn moved to the Sugar Hill Retirement Community in Wolfeboro, NH, where s he served as Chair of the House Committee and volunteered at Assisted Living.  She also volunteered at the Lord and Tailor Thrift Shop at All Saints Episcopal Church.

Sh e is survived by her brother Richard Davis and his wife Janice of West Lebanon , NH and 4 children; Theodore and his wife Susan of Round Rock , TX; Elizabeth of East Hampstead, NH; Christopher and his wife Karen of Londonderry, N H; and Judith Harlow of East Hampstead, NH . Eight grandchildren ; Tricia and her husband David , Sylvia, Zebulon, Noah, L auren, Kayla, Madison, and Jacie . A nd two g reat grandchildren; Conner and Ryker. Sh e also leaves many nieces and nephews.

Jo was preceded in death by h er parents and Allyn by just 20 days .

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am September 10, 2021, at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church Hampstead, NH . Masks are required.

In lieu of flowers, please give to a charity of your choice.