Wolfeboro, NH

Joanne Thayer Walker, aged 84, of Allen Road, Wolfeboro, NH, passed away peacefully Saturday June 25, 2016, at her home, she shared with her niece, Maryanne Ritchie-Porter. Joanne was born December 16, 1931, in Melrose, MA, to the late Bigelow and Elizabeth (Smith) Hersey. Joanne attended Melrose High School and also graduated Class of ’53 Salutatorian of Wheelock College, Boston, with a BS in Education. Joanne worked for the Governor Wentworth Regional School District for 28 years: starting as a Kindergarten teacher at Carpenter School, Wolfeboro, NH, Alton School District, 2 years and, later, at the New Durham Elementary School for 21 years. New Durham Elementary School Parents and Teachers Organization dedicated the Joanne T. Walker Playground, to her when she retired.

She was the former Director of the Carroll County Mental Health and former President of the NH Mental Health Board. She was also involved with People to People Ambassador program from New Durham Elementary to it’s sister school in St. Petersburg, Russia. She was a pioneer and lifelong advocate of Early Reading Intervention, and was well-versed in Reading Recovery. Joanne was an avid educator, as well as lifelong learner. She traveled all over the world on a personal mission of educating and teaching. She also loved supporting the arts, culture and music.

Joanne was predeceased in death by her older sister Jean (Hersey) White, of San Antonio, TX. Joanne is survived by her younger brother Peter B. Hersey of Middlebury, IN., her two daughters, Sylvie L. Walker of Albuquerque, NM and Kathryn L. Ritchie of Wolfeboro, NH, and her two grandchildren, Ana Walker and W. Morgan Fetner, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be Thursday, June 30, 2016 at Lord Funeral Home, 23 Club Lane, Wolfeboro, NH from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Celebration will begin at 7:30 PM, at the funeral home on June 30, 2016. If you wish to express condolences or leave a fond memory please visit, www.lordfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider Donations in her memory to: Westport Island Community Association, 6 Fowles Point Road, Westport Island, ME 04578; New Durham Charitable Trust Fund, PO Box 85, New Durham, NH 03855 or donate to music or reading programs to assist children in learning.

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