Joanne F. Talbot

1935 - 2023

Joanne F. Talbot

Portland, ME - Joanne F. (Hines) Talbot, 88, died December 12, 2023 in Portland, ME. She was the wife of Richard J. Talbot, to whom she had been married for 62 years. Born in Boston, MA, the daughter of Edward G. and Frances C. (Connolly) Hines, she grew up in Dorchester and attended parochial schools. Upon graduation from Regis College, she was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study at the University of Freiburg in Germany. She subsequently earned a PhD in German Language and Literature from Boston University, completing her doctoral dissertation while caring for two daughters under age 4. She worked as a lecturer in German at Boston University and as a German translator for the federal government.

In 1970, Joanne moved to Amherst, MA, where she contributed for decades to the civic life of the community. She joined the League of Women Voters, served several terms as a Town Meeting member, and was elected to four five-year terms on the Amherst Redevelopment Authority (ARA). During her ARA tenure, she was instrumental in launching and implementing the Boltwood Walk development project, which included the planning and design of the William Smith Clark House Apartments and the Bangs Community Center.

Joanne was a communicant of the Newman Center at the University of Massachusetts, where she served as a lector for many years and was in charge of lector training. With her husband, she taught classes for Newman community members preparing for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.

Joanne was a skilled, loving, and devoted family caregiver, providing care for her mother, father, and mother-in-law in her own home during their final years of life.

Joanne was predeceased by a brother, Edward G. Hines.

She is survived by her husband Richard, daughters Jean Talbot and Mary Talbot, sons-in law Eric Larsson and Paul Early, and four grandchildren, Fiona Larsson and Helen, Michael and Irene Early.

Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 27 at 11 am at St. Theresa of Lisieux Roman Catholic Church in South Hadley, MA.

Donations in Joanne's memory may be made to Hospice of Southern Maine.