Joan Hanington

Millinocket- Joan Crawford Hanington, 92, entered Heavens Gates on July 31, 2024. Truly, heaven's gain is our lost. If you knew her, you loved her. A devout Christian woman, caring Millinocket school teacher for 50+years, homeschooling 2 special boys now young men after her retirement, tirelessly involved in The Church of the Nazarene where she and Victor earned the highest honor of Distinguished Service Award in 2007, a gifted pianist and singer, and a nurturing and sweet presence to many in our community. Joan was a treasure. She will be deeply missed and forever revered as a special Godly woman of faith that touched our lives.
Joan was born 3/27/1932, one of 5 children of Percy and Delorosa Cottle Crawford. After attending Farmington State Teacher's College, she continued her education taking summer classes after marrying her late husband, Victor Hanington, moving to Millinocket, raising 4 daughters, teaching full time, graduating from the University of Maine the same year her eldest daughter graduated high school in 1971.
She is survived by her daughters Vicki and family, Debbi and family, Jaynie and family, Alison and family, 8 granddaughters, 6 great granddaughters and 6 great grandsons, and several nieces and nephews. Gram Gram was careful to make sure each and every one of them knew how special they were and how deeply she prayed for them wanting them all to be in Heaven one day too.
Joan outlived her husband Victor, and all her siblings, Harry, Dale, Robin (Bob) and sister Janice. Her life was filled with the things she loved-gardening, teaching children, serving faithfully in ministry singing and playing hymns in her own special style, sharing her music with Sweet Seniors Assisted Living, Millinocket and Lincoln nursing homes, and Brewer Rehab for her brother Dale, her Monday ceramics, and cherishing her family and friends. Special thanks to Bruce Leavitt, who has been like a son, holding church services at Sweet Seniors with her on Sunday mornings, followed by church and Sunday lunch since Victor's passing.
A very special thank you to the entire staff of Katahdin Healthcare of Millinocket, and Beacon Hospice for the love and superb care she was provided.
A private graveside service will be held at a later date. To share memories and leave condolences, please visit www.bowersfuneral.com.