Joan Carol Huizinga, 86, of Portsmouth, NH, passed away on November 3, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on October 9, 1939, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Joan was the daughter of Kenneth and Margaret (Jenkinson) Cady. She grew up in Chicopee and graduated from Chicopee High School. She especially cherished the summers she spent at their cottage on Lake Willoughby in Vermont — a place she carried in her heart throughout her life. After school, she began a long and dedicated career in Human Resources, retiring from Continental Microwave.

Joan’s life was shaped by two meaningful marriages, each marking a different chapter filled with love, growth, and family. In 1961, she married Theron “Bud” Olson of Monroe, WI. Together they welcomed two children, Tracy, and Kenneth. Bud’s Air Force career took their young family across the United States and overseas, including extended stays living in Spain and South Africa, sparking Joan’s lifelong love of travel and adventure. She remained close to Bud's family in Wisconsin throughout her life.

In 1987, Joan married Jim Huizinga of Chicago, IL. Through this marriage, she gained three stepchildren: Morinne, Eddie, and Jason, whom she warmly welcomed into her family. Joan and Jim enjoyed visiting family in Illinois, eating ice cream at The Ice House, and watching the sunrise on the ocean. They also shared a deep compassion for animals, opening their home to many rescued cats and dogs over the years. Their companionship, both with each other and with the animals they cared for, brought warmth and purpose to their life. Jim passed away in 2015, marking the end of a cherished chapter in Joan's life, while leaving lasting memories.

Those who knew Joan will remember her as a woman with a strong spirit and an unmistakable presence. She carried herself with confidence and spoke her mind with clarity. She loved good conversation with friends, time spent with loved ones, and traveling to new places. Joan’s home was always open to others — many people found shelter and comfort there simply because of her kindness. Most holidays were filled with warmth and laughter, as Joan welcomed friends, family, and neighbors. Her home was a place where everyone was made to feel like part of the family.

A longtime member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Portsmouth, Joan found community and peace in her faith. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at a young age, she faced the challenges of the disease with remarkable strength and steadfast determination throughout her life. She treasured her family, friends, and beloved pets. Joan leaves behind a legacy of compassion and resilience. She will be deeply missed.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Tracy (Kevin) Niland of Greenland, NH; and her son, Kenneth (Ashley) Olson of Dothan, AL; her stepchildren, Morinne Komperda, Eddie Marcotte, and Jason (Christina) Huizinga of IL; her son-in-law, David (Susan) Komperda; her grandchildren, Taylor (Joey) Niland Dewey, Savannah (James Schukraft) Olson, Cooper Olson, Kyle (Julie) Komperda, Jeffrey (Alyssa) Komperda, Cory (Kayla Cameron) Komperda, Jacob (Sara) Komperda, Carina Mistretta, Payton and Callie Huizinga, Violet and Brandin Marcotte; her three great-grandchildren, Amber Marcotte, Emmett Komperda, and Miles Komperda; cousins, Jerry Cady, Bobby Cady, Cheryl Cady, and Ann Morrison; close friends, the Fulvi family; and Pat Csernelabics, a close friend and neighbor.

A service will be held April 18, 2026, at 11 AM, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, located at 101 Chapel St, Portsmouth, NH 03801. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Hampton. To view Joan's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.