Joan Beach Little

Joan Beach Little, 84, a life-long resident of Center Sandwich, passed away peacefully after a courageous six year battle with cancer on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at the Golden View Health Care Center, in Meredith, NH. Joan was born on April 10, 1931, in Center Sandwich, the daughter of Watson E. and Florence (Hudson) Beach. She attended local schools, graduating from the Quimby School. Joan furthered her education at the Laconia Business School. She was a stay-at-home mom until her children were older, then she started her career as an administrative assistant working for local businesses throughout the years. She retired with the State of New Hampshire Department of Public Health after many years of service. Joan was devoted to the Sandwich community and maintaining its history; she worked part-time for many years with the Sandwich Historical Society. She was a life-long member of the Community Church of Center Sandwich, and was the church's organist for many years. Joan was a talented pianist and organist with a deep love of classical music, as well as the old standards and Big Band music. She created and worked tirelessly on the family genealogy; had a deep love of nature, the beauty of the Lakes Region and White Mountains, and enjoyed hiking, snow-shoeing, and cross country skiing. Joan was always setting the example to her children of being a generous, selfless, positive person, who was always helping others with their needs. She was a feisty, independent, determined, strong, and interesting person who was interested in everything. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. She is predeceased by her daughter, Suzanne Day, in 2014; son, Jay Alton Little, in 1975; brother, John T. Beach, in 1967; sister, Barbara B. Wallace, in 2012. Joan is survived by her loving daughters, Sally Ann Washington and husband Michael, of Keene; Betsy Page and her life partner Brad Swinton, of Laconia; son-in-law, Jim Manning, of Laconia; several nieces and nephews; her beloved cat "Pepper", and many dear friends throughout the Sandwich community. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the NH Humane Society, P.O. Box 572, Laconia, NH 03246, or to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, D-HH/Geisel Office of Development, One Medical Center Drive, HB 7070, Lebanon, NH 03756-0001.

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Joan Beach Little

April 10, 1931 - May 2, 2015