Joan Rueckert

1927 - 2025

Joan Rueckert

Hanover, NH - Joan Dodge Rueckert passed away peacefully at her home in Hanover, NH on November 20, 2025 at the age of 98. She was born at her family home in Riverdale, NY on October 29, 1927, but lived most of her adult life in Hanover. Her husband, Frederic Rueckert, who predeceased her in 2017, was a physician at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for his entire career. She was the daughter of Cleveland E. Dodge and Pauline Morgan Dodge.

She was a fixture in both Hanover and at her beloved summer home in the Thousand Islands in Northern, NY. She had boundless energy in everything she did from tending her gardens to her many volunteer responsibilities. She was a lifelong volunteer at the hospital in Hanover in various capacities from preparing wound dressings to her many years at the information desk. She learned to use a braille transcription device and transcribed many textbooks into braille for use by students. For decades, she was very active at the League of New Hampshire Craftsman where she was an accomplished potter. She was skilled and prolific at many hand crafts including knitting, quilting and needlepoint. She always had a project underway. At the Thousand Islands or "The River" as she called it, she was a generous supporter and board member of the Thousand Islands Land Trust and the Antique Boat Museum.

She and Fred met at The River where their families were both multi-generation summer residents. They continued to spend time there every summer of their long lives. When Fred retired, they dedicated much of their time and energy to their historic island home, "Mid River", its gardens and to the many family gatherings that took place there every summer.

Joan is survived by her four children and their spouses: Nancy Lee Coughlin, Patricia Ares, her husband Tony, William Dodge Rueckert, his wife Fleur, and Carolyn Stouffer. In addition, her family includes 12 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren all of whom knew her. Joan had recently enjoyed a 98th birthday celebration with her children and grandchildren.

Joan was a strong and independent woman. She was well organized, hard-working and always thought of others before herself. Well into her 90's she would spend hours in her garden and enjoyed visits from friends and family. She will be missed by all.

There will be a private family celebration.

Contributions may be made to the Thousand Island Land Trust or The Children's Hospital at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.