Joan M. Ames

Joan Ames went to her eternal home on January 2, 2025. Born on June 17, 1941, in Concord, NH, Joan was the beloved daughter of Arthur and Grace Babineau. She was raised in Concord, where her roots were firmly planted and her heart was forever tied.

Joan met the love of her life, Harold "Skip" Ames, and together they built a life filled with love and devotion. They were blessed with two sons, Jeff and Tim, who were the light of her life. Joan’s love for her family was unwavering, and she took immense pride in being a patient, loving, and dedicated mother.

Joan had a heart for people, and this was evident in her career. She worked as a waitress at the Brick Tower and Howard Johnson, where she discovered her natural gift for making others feel welcome and valued. Later, she transitioned to administrative roles, becoming an integral part of Cleveland, Waters and Bass, P.A., and later at Christian Mutual Life, where her warmth and ability to put people at ease left a lasting impact.

Her greatest sense of fulfillment came from her role as the church secretary at Chichester Congregational Church (now Hope in Christ Church). For many years, Joan found her second home in the church, where she organized, created, and taught with a heart full of faith and love. She touched countless lives with her generosity, her commitment, and her boundless energy.

Joan was an extraordinary cook who delighted in throwing dinner parties where guests were treated to her culinary gifts—and they never left hungry. She loved camping with her family, creating cherished memories under the stars. Joan believed in giving her all; she never did anything halfway and approached every commitment with passion and grace.

Joan is now reunited with her beloved Skip, her son Jeff, her parents Arthur and Grace, and her sister Nancy. Her absence leaves a profound void, but her legacy of love, kindness, and faith will endure in the hearts of those she touched.

A memorial service to celebrate Joan’s life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Hope in Christ Church, 153 Main Street, Chichester, NH 03258. A burial service will follow on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at Blossom Hill/Calvary Cemetery, 207 N State Street, Concord, NH 03301.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hope in Christ Church, the place Joan called her second home.

Joan’s life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and dedication. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.