NORRIDGEWOCK – Joan (Bulmer) Quimby, 88, peacefully left this world on Thursday, April 8, 2021, at the home of her eldest child, Sanborn Quimby and his wife Rose. She was born on April 16, 1932, to Leland and Amy Bulmer on the Sand Hill Road in Smithfield. She attended the one-room, Gould School in Smithfield with her sister, Christine.

She attended Skowhegan High School at a time when there was no school bus from Smithfield to Skowhegan. It was a cold long walk to Route 8 to catch a ride and she eventually missed too many classes and dropped out. At the age of 57 in 1989, as the oldest student in the class, she proudly received her GED.

She worked at Norwalk and Dexter Shoe for most of her working life and was a skilled and steady worker, retiring about 2000. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She especially enjoyed family reunions, and helped to make them happen. She loved crossword puzzles, gardening, fiddle heading, camping out, helping Richard get the wood in for winter, working outside, crocheting lovely doilies, dishcloths to give away. She filled their cellar with canned goods and produce from the Garden. She was exuberant, generous, had a very infectious laugh and was an optimist.

Joan is survived by her beloved partner of 44 years, Richard Yeaton and her treasured children; Sanborn (Rose), Marsha, Carolyn, Dean (Lynn) and Michael (Tracey Balmert).

Richard’s children were dear to her; Bruce, Bonnie, Brenda, Brian and Belinda. She will be missed by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and Sue Quimby, the mother of Sanborn’s children; her brother, Brian (Norma) Bulmer, and sister, Connie (Malcolm) MacDuffie. She was much loved by her family and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, sister, Christine Gilley, brother, Hale, and her former husband and father of their children, Russell Quimby.

There will be a Memorial service at the Smithfield Baptist Church on June 12 at 2 p.m., with Pastor Brad Rancourt officiating. A gathering will be held at the Camp of Brian and Norma Bulmer in Smithfield after the service.

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