Joan (Ward) Cashen

Joan Elaine Cashen of Raymond, New Hampshire, widow of Robert (Bob) Cashen and mother of Matthew and Benjamin Cashen, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2020 in Exeter, surrounded by close family and friends.

Joan was born in Lynn, Massachusetts, on June 9, 1948, to Russell and Marjorie Ward. She and her siblings Edward and Janet grew up in a house on Cliff Road in Saugus, MA. Joan had fond memories of camping in Maine with her family, eating ice cream with her siblings, and playing the bassoon in the high school band.

Their shared musical interests led her to her high school sweetheart and future husband, Bob Cashen. They were married in 1969 and moved to Long Island together. After Bob earned his degree, they returned home to Nahant, MA, where she gave birth to their first son, Matthew in 1974. They fondly remembered walking their newborn son along the water and watching the ducks. Six years later, Benjamin was born in Newburyport, where they remained until they moved to the Exeter area.

Joan's proudest accomplishment was being a mother to her two sons. As the boys were growing up, Joan worked at the Marshmallow Fluff Factory in Lynn. Ben and Matt both have many memories of going to check in on mom at work to watch the forklifts and eat their Fluffer Nutters.

Joan supported Matt in his athletic and academic endeavors and Ben as he pursued his passion and love for boating.

She loved spending time golfing with her brother, Ed, boating with her son, Ben, completing puzzles with her son, Matt, visiting her sister, Janet; and being with her family.

As Matt and Ben grew up and married, Joan happily and whole-heartedly welcomed her daughters-in-law, noting that she was happy to no longer be the only woman in the family. Joan loved her family more than anything and was a supportive and loving mother in law to Christina and Emily Cashen.

Recently, Joan loved reading books and spending time with her grandson, Owen. She would return from time with him and share stories, photographs, and videos. She would brag about his smile and his happy nature.

Joan always had a calming presence. She was loving, selfless, patient, and kind to everyone she knew.

Joan is survived by her son, Matthew Cashen; daughter-in-law, Christina Cashen; grandson, Owen Cashen; sister, Janet Bingham; brother in law, Warren Bingham; sister in law, Jane DeSimone; brother in law, Joseph DeSimone; daughter-in-law, Emily Cashen; sister in law, Kathia Ward; mother in law, Helen Trefry, her nephew and many nieces.

A celebration of life will be held this summer in Maine to scatter Joan and Bob's ashes. Please contact her son Matthew for information. For those wishing to donate in Joan's memory, please consider Exeter Hospital, who provided compassionate care and comfort for her and her entire family. Donations can be made at:

https://www.exeterhospital.com/About-Us/Fundraising/Online-Donations