Joan Long Holmes

Joan Long Holmes, a beloved teacher, lifelong musician, and cherished family matriarch, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 31, 2025 at the age of 89. She was a resident of Riverwoods, Durham, and her passing came after a long and courageous struggle with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Born in Newton, Massachusetts, on September 2, 1936, Joan was the daughter of Rev. Loy L. Long and Edna Johnson Long. Her early life was marked by a unique journey, as she spent 13 of her first 18 years in India, where her parents served as Missionary Social Workers with the United Board of Foreign Missions. This formative experience instilled in her a deep sense of purpose and a global perspective.

A gifted musician from a young age, Joan graduated from the Kodai Kanal International School in India in 1954 before returning to the U.S. to pursue a Music major at Oberlin College, where she graduated in 1958. Her hands were rarely still, moving with grace across both piano keys and violin strings.

In 1959, she married Stephen Holmes of Auburndale, Massachusetts, and together they built a beautiful life, celebrating their 66th wedding anniversary this past August. Her love of music found an outlet in her professional life, as she taught Elementary Music at the Wheelock School in Keene for 24 years, sharing her passion with a generation of students. Beyond the classroom, her musical spirit thrived in choral groups, church choirs, and string ensembles.

More than anything, Joan dedicated her life to her loving family. A consummate and caring homemaker, she created a home filled with warmth and love. Her greatest joy was spending time with family, especially her six grandchildren: Kaela, Giles, Chelsea, Glenn, Hillary, Bryant and great grandchild Liana.

In addition to her husband, Stephen, she is survived by daughter Carolann Robinson of Atlanta, Georgia; son David and wife Donna of Columbus, Ohio; and son Jeffrey and wife Janel of Exeter, New Hampshire. She is also survived by her sister, Carol Steele and husband Paul of Concord, Massachusetts. She was predeceased by her brother, Delmar, of Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Donations may be made in her honor to Seacoast Family Promise https://seacoastfamilypromise.org/ in Exeter.

Celebration of life service will be held at The Stratham Community Church, 6 Emory Lane, Stratham NH, on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 4pm.