Joan "Joanie" Binns

Joan “Joanie” Binns, 62, of Norton Vermont passed away June 8th at her home. Joanie was born on August 13, 1957 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Joanie came to the Northeast Kingdom at a young age to Earth People’s Park and ultimately made Norton, Vermont her forever home. Joanie worked at Quimby Country for most of her life, first as their gardener and lastly as their manager receiving recognition from the Vermont legislature for her work. Joanie was many things—a gardener, a lover of animals, baker of amazing cookies, but most of all a friend to all from any walk of life. She is survived by her daughter, Kate (Binns) Gomez, and son-in-law, Ismael Gomez.  Joanie was part of a large family that included, Andrew and Linda Shrake, Bruce and Janet Shrake, David and Janet Shrake, Laura Clark, and Michael and Jeannie Shrake, and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her father, Captain Francis Shrake, mother, Noreen Flint, and older sister Mary Anne Montoya. A service will be held at Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home (1199 Railroad St) in Island Pond on Tuesday, June 16th at 10 AM. Due to current conditions, the service will be limited to very close family and friends. We ask that you do something that would make her smile to honor her life. Her family would like to request that donations be sent in lieu of flowers to either the Island Pond Public Library (49 Mill St, Island Pond, VT 05846) or the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 502 Strawberry Acres. Newport, Vermont 05855. On-line condolences at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home, locally family owned and operated.