It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joan Evelyn (Yngve) Spencer, 83, of Hampstead, NH, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, a remarkable woman and friend, and a dedicated servant of our Lord Jesus. Joan passed away at her home in the early morning hours of May 24, 2026, after a brief illness.

Joan was born November 15, 1942, in Boston to Enoch and Evelyn Yngve. After graduating from Wakefield High School in 1959, Joan attended Chandler Business School. She began a career and held multiple administrative positions. She later served as the secretary of Salem Christian School, a role she truly cherished and through which she touched the lives of many students, families and staff. For many years, Joan also devoted herself fully to being a stay-at-home mother, lovingly caring for her children and creating a warm, faith-filled home for her family.

Joan lived a courageous, challenging, and disciplined life after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the young age of eleven. She never allowed diabetes to define her or slow her down, as she embraced many trips and adventures with her friends and family over the years. She found great joy spending time with her family and loved ones. She enjoyed spending time in Florida during the winter and camping with her family each summer at Pilgrim Pines. Her other interests included puzzles, knitting, sewing, cooking, baking, and she could never pass up a good yard sale.

Joan was a longtime member of Centerpoint Community Church Salem, NH, where she became a member and was baptized in June 1970. She faithfully served her church family for many years and was known for her gift of hospitality and a caring servant’s heart.

She is survived by her loving husband Bob Spencer, with whom she shared 61 years of marriage; her son and two daughters, John Spencer and his wife, Jill of Hudson, NH, Julie Robichaud and her husband John of Manchester, NH, and Amy Reilly and her husband Scott of Windham, NH; her nine beloved grandchildren; and one great-grandson. Joan was predeceased by her brother David Yngve.

The family welcomes you to join them as they celebrate Joan’s life on Saturday, May 30 at 10am at Centerpoint Community Church, 101 School St. Salem, NH, with a light luncheon to follow.

Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Nashua.

Those who wish to honor Joan’s memory are invited, in lieu of flowers, to make a donation to either Centerpoint Community Church of Salem, NH, or Pilgrim Pines Camp and Conference Center in Swanzey, NH.

https://www.centerpointsalem.org/ 

https://www.pilgrimpines.org/ 

To view Joan’s Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.