HALLOWELL – Joan died peacefully with a dear family member and faithful visitor by her side on Jan. 2, 2022 at Alfond Center for Health in Augusta.

A long time ago, on the first day of spring, in the year 1927, Joan Hallowell was born to the parents of Anna (McCarty) and Erland Hallowell in what was then, the bucolic town of Gardiner. Four years later the couple had a son, Johnny.

Sadly, and suddenly, the happy couple was facing tragedy. Anna was dying, and Erland, struggling with the economic times and a new taxi business with erratic hours would not be able to both support and care for their children. A decision was made to keep the children with family. Johnny was nestled in with his Hallowell grandparents, and Joan was planted with her mother’s sister, Aunt Elfin (McCarty), and Uncle Raymond (Pa) Gingrow and their two daughters, Veronica and Kay. This arrangement was never formalized, and the two would visit on with their father. Joan was later blessed by half-brothers, Erland Jr., and Kenneth Hallowell, and another brother in her new family, John Gingrow.

Understandably, the transition was difficult for Joan, but life settled in, and she slowly adapted to the new arrangement. Luckily, being a lover of the outdoors and eventually sports, she enjoyed all Gardiner had to offer a youngster. Winters she was the only girl on one of many, competitive, backyard neighborhood hockey teams sprinkled throughout town. She often skated at Billy Gaye’s, went sledding down Elm Street, or snowshoeing through Seven Pines. Summers, they were for canoeing on Cobbossee Stream and swimming at The Oaks.

Joan graduated from Gardiner High School in 1945, and after studying at a clerical school in Augusta, went to work for the State of Maine, where she was employed as a clerk in the Personnel Department. She gradually advanced in state government positions and loved the challenges.

Joan diligently saved and bought her first car which led to road trips with friends (Dot and Ruth) for shopping in Brunswick, dancing the night away at Island Park in Manchester, or swimming and relaxing on the beach in Old Orchard.

Her last position for the state was Assistant to the Comptroller (although many of her co-workers called her the Comptroller). She was always an extrovert and though she had vision problems throughout her life, she loved her work, her very extended families, her friends, and coworkers, and was always quick to offer opinions to help them along in life.

She retired from the state after more than 42 years in service. During her work in state government, she was active in the development of the Maine State Credit Union and chaired many committees for charitable fund raising.

Retirement brought her back to sports, joining a bowling league and enjoying golf with friends at local courses. She learned to knit, sew, and garden, sharing her crops grown in Augusta Community Garden.

In later years, she became a member of the YMCA in Augusta. She and new friend, Ruth, went early to walk the track, and join Kim for Silver Sneakers. They were warmly welcomed into a morning swimmer’s, coffee group by another new friend, Joyce, sharing conversation and lots of laughter. Her retirement was a time of personal growth. She liked being with people and being active.

Although she never married, Joan was close with many of her nieces and nephews. She was always welcomed for holidays, and often shared Christmas Eve at her father’s with Hallowell friends and family.

Many a time she volunteered days and weekends off, helping with childcare and “other duties as assigned” during times of need, especially with the Luken brood.

Joan was predeceased by her parents; her brother John, and half-brothers Erland Jr., and Kenny Hallowell; her nephew David Hallowell; and cousin/siblings, Veronica Kilcoyne, Catherine Luken and John Gingrow and his two sons, Christopher and John, Jr.

She leaves behind her nephews, Dana Hallowell, and wife, Lila, Waterville; and daughter Lisa Hallowell Strutin and her husband, Millard, New Jersey; James Hallowell of Oakland; Kenneth C. Hallowell of So. China; Her cousins, Stephanie Fullam and husband, Tom, Augusta; Anne Fish, So. Portland; David Luken and wife, Joyce, Colorado; Margo Luken, Portland; Mark Luken, and wife Cheryl, West Gardiner; Terrance Kilcoyne and wife, Kathryn, Augusta; Joseph Kilcoyne, Westbrook; Mary Violette and husband, Roger, Farmingdale; Tim Gingrow and his partner, Lynn Wasilewski, Bath; Karen Danforth and husband, Frank, So. Paris; Claudia Card and husband Jack, Brunswick.

Respecting Joan’s wishes, there will be no viewing. A Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph’s will be followed by burial at Mt. Hope Cemetery in the spring.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church St., Augusta, where memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at http://www.familyfirstfh.com

Donations in her

name to the:

Humane Society,

the Augusta YMCA,

or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.






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