Joan I. Hodgkins

Joan I. Hodgkins, 76 CONCORD, N.H. -- Loving wife, mother, 'Nana' and friend Joan Irene (Young) Hodgkins, 76, of Concord, N.H., lost her long and courageous battle with heart disease Sunday, July 6, 2008. She was at peace and surrounded by her husband and three children at the time of her death. She was the youngest daughter of nine children, born Dec. 7, 1931, in South Portland, to parents Hervey and Pearl Young. She was predeceased by six of her siblings. She is survived by her devoted and beloved husband of 53 years, Hugh M. Hodgkins of Concord, N.H.; her daughter, Holly M. Hodgkins of Concord, N.H., her sons, Peter A. Hodgkins and his wife Susan of Bow, N.H., and Andrew P. Hodgkins and his wife Kathy of Concord, N.H.; her sisters, Thelma Muscavitz of Georgetown, Mass., and Marjorie Bullerwell of North Windham; and nine grandchildren, Erin Worthing and his wife Alissa of Oakland, Calif., Pam Hodgkins of New York, Robyn Hodgkins and her fiancé Kevin O'Connor of Blue Hill, Pa., Justin Hodgkins of Bow, N.H., Amanda Schadlick, Olivia Schadlick, Alexandra Hodgkins, Taylor Hodgkins and Braden Hodgkins, all of Concord, N.H. Joan graduated from Deering High School in Portland, in 1950. She and her husband, also from Maine, met at the age of 14 and shared an unconditional love for many, many years. She was a resident of Concord, N.H., for the past 42 years. In 1948, Joan won the title of Miss Lakes Region in New Hampshire. In 1985, she became a teacher's aide at Concord High School, where she worked with challenged teens and offered them support as well as friendship. Joan enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, trips to Maine with her husband, the beaches of Maine, yard sales with friends, and spending time with her family and friends. She especially enjoyed time spent with her nine grandchildren, attending every game, practice, recital or graduation. She will be truly missed by those who knew her vibrant spirit, her kind heart and her warm laughter. The Hodgkins family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Concord Hospital, HealthSouth Rehabilitation, as well as the staff at Massachusetts General Hospital for their care during her illness. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to: The Maine Educational Center for the Deaf Gov. Baxter School Care of Traci Drake 1 Mackwork Island Falmouth, Maine 04105