Joan Nancy Perriello

Joan Nancy (Holbrook) Perriello, age 87, recently of Loudon NH, passed away at the Merrimack County Nursing Home Hospice Unit on January 27, 2023 surrounded by family following a period of declining health.

Joan (Joey to her friends) had a penchant for helping those in need.  It could be a friend, a stranger, or any animal, if help was needed she was there to ease their pain, provide comfort, cheer them up or distract their thoughts to something more positive.

Her ability to minister and knowledge of healing methods was developed in large part by helping her grandmother, Edith (Auntie) Foster, who graduated in the first class of visiting nurses in New Hampshire.  Joan would help Auntie when a member of the family became injured on the farm, a neighbor would appear in need of immediate attention or if someone was ill.  When she wasn’t busy helping Auntie, Joan could be found outside exploring in the woods, working with Grandpa or with one of her many uncles on the farm.  If she wasn’t caring for an animal or doing chores, Joan, her sister Helena and Grandpa would be off to the local watering site learning to swim or fish, then pick blueberries on their way home.

Animals were everything to Joan.  Once she gained their trust, that was it, she had them!  Animals seemed to gravitate to her.  Joan could calm even the most rambunctious character with a kind and fair manner.  Among her many positions, Joan worked at Sprague Electric, managed a pet store, became a hair stylist, a masseuse, a counselor for Parents Anonymous, taught pet classes in Concord, and operated a dog grooming business…… there are likely more….Joan trained her own dogs and trialed in AKC (American Kennel Club) and UKC (United Kennel Club) Obedience and Rally competitions.  The UKC Amoskaeg Obedience Club held their meetings at Joan’s residence.  Refreshments were always provided and don’t worry about your coats on the grooming table. Yoda (Devon Rex) could always be found snuggling in their midst for warmth.

Busy…. Busy should have been her middle name!  Joan was always on the go….. just as much was her thirst for knowledge was unending…though she disliked formal schooling. When computers and smart phones came along they were a bit too much to try.  That didn’t stop her.  Joan would often call a friend and ask a favor, “could you punch in (some topic of interest) on your computer and let me know what you find”. 

Working hands… Joan was masterful in making a thing of beauty out of the ordinary. Her yard was meticulously landscaped with all sorts of annuals. Plants just thrived in Joan’s care.  She along with her husband Marcy’s help, would make all types of Santa’s and christmas wreaths.  They would travel to holiday fairs throughout the state and sell her “one of a kind” creations.   Many a road trip was taken to find the right natural materials that made each piece come alive. Her sister said, “she could do anything with a glue stick!”  Her Santa’s were wonderful works of art.

Yard sale?  did someone say yard sale?… most Saturdays you would find Joan traversing Concord and surrounding towns in search of great finds.  A good day of canvassing was preceded by a thorough mapping of the route the day before.  If you were looking for something in particular, she would find it.  Cost?…… “oh, how about a dollar” she would say.  And, yes, it would only cost $1….. Speaking of yard sales!…. All the locals on the Concord Heights and regular dealers would come to Marcy and Joey’s yard sales on Prescott St. All the items were laid out and neatly placed, well marked and priced to buy.  It was the highlight of the summer!

Traveling was in her blood.  During the summer months, Joan and her sister Helena would take the bus from Pembroke to Manchester, a train to Portland and another bus to Tenants Harbor Maine where they would help Auntie and Grandpa with the work at the small fishing pier.

Joan was born in Concord on April 20, 1935; the daughter of the late Geraldine (Foster) Sullivan and adoptive father Paul Holbrook.  She was married to the late Marcian (Marcy) Perriello for 55 years until his passing in 2012.  Joan resided in Concord most of her life, the last being on Prescott St before moving to Loudon.  Joan is predeceased by her brother Richard Holbrook.  She leaves behind her devoted son David Perriello of Boscawen, her sister Helena Vintinner of Leander Texas, granddaughters Samantha (Perriello) Barrientos and Jorge of Bradford, Nicholle Perriello and fiancé Jordan Stacy of Salisbury, great granddaughter Everlee Barrientos, cousins Richard (Dickie) Townsend, Priscilla (Townsend) Pelletier, and many nephews and nieces. 

Joan never complained about her ailments…. though they were many.  She just carried on…  because things had to be done.  Rest came when all was completed.

Mom, Sis, Gram, Cousin, Friend, rest your weary soul.  We will miss you dearly, but remember you for the loving being you were with all of us.  More work awaits you on your next journey….there must be a soul in need of your help.  What!  You’re already at it…….

SERVICES: A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Should you wish to honor Joan’s memory you may make a contribution to the Merrimack County Visiting Nurses Association or to your local SPCA.