Joan E. Gallivan

Epsom - Joan E. Gallivan, age 87, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2022 at Merrimack County Nursing Home.

Born in Boston, she was the daughter of the late William and Annabelle (Peacock) Whittaker. 

A graduate of Hyde Park High School, she worked many jobs throughout her life with her last one working at the Concord Community Action Program.  She also treasured the time she spent volunteering as a Foster Grandmother as it afforded her the opportunity to share her greatest gift, being a Nana.

Joan was predeceased by her husband and friend, Carlton J. Gallivan who passed away in 2006.

She is survived by her three daughters, Karen Ardolino (Carmen) of Yarmouth Port, MA, Donna Weikel (Allen) of Melbourne, FL and Carla Gallivan of Seffner, FL.  She is also survived by her brother George Whittaker of Norwell, MA.

She is also dearly remembered by the people who were lucky enough to call her Nana: her four grandchildren, Scott Patten (Lauren), Shannon Braarud (Josh), Domenic Ardolino (Lyla), and Anthony Ardolino. She was further blessed with five great grandchildren. 

A prolific and skilled knitter, Joan leaves a legacy of lovingly crafted sweaters and blankets throughout her entire family. Her potato salad recipe was the stuff of legends, and has yet to be accurately replicated.  An avid reader, she would often revisit her favorite books over and over, while enjoying her never-ending mug of tea.  She gave directions better than anyone, and you knew that if Nana told you how to get there, you would arrive without issue.  Most of all, she enjoyed being a Nana, and sharing her heart with her grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, when her family is able to gather in her memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be contributed to the Alzheimer's Association on-line at www.alz.org, or by mail to: Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave, FL-27, Chicago, Ill, 60601-7633.