Joan Givens Way

Joan Givens Way, a beacon of kindness and love, passed away on August 18, 2024, surrounded by loving family at her home in Sugar Hill, New Hampshire. Born on February 8, 1946, to Vivian and Donald Givens (predeceased) in Orange, California. Joan’s life was a garden rooted in her commitment to family, friends, and community.

A graduate of Manchester High School West in 1964, Joan’s passion for helping others led her to earn a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of New Hampshire in 1968. She was registered to practice following her affiliations at Bellevue Hospital in New York City, Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, and the Connecticut State Hospital. Joan’s career began working with children at the Easter Seals in Manchester, New Hampshire. After starting her family, she dedicated herself to raising her children, and later returned to occupational therapy working in the Manchester School District until her retirement.

In 1969, Joan married her high school sweetheart and soulmate, Gary Walter Way, in a beautiful ceremony at the Bedford Presbyterian Church in Bedford, New Hampshire. They set roots in Bedford which was their home for 38 years. Together they raised three children in a happy and loving home to be independent and thoughtful adults.

Joan and Gary moved to Sugar Hill in 2012 to enjoy retirement in the White Mountains. Together they enjoyed days skiing at Cannon Mountain, where she was an avid alpine and telemark skier most of her life. Joan became a member of the Willing Workers Society of Sugar Hill. She was known for her positive outlook, great cookies, and readiness to volunteer her time. With a creative spirit, Joan had a knack for making things whether it was her passion for sewing, quilting, gardening, or baking - her extra touch was always noticed. She embraced her Swedish heritage sharing holiday traditions. Above all, Joan brought people together by hosting events to celebrate life’s special and ordinary moments.

Family meant the world to Joan. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Gary Walter Way; her son Nathan Way and partner Teri Barlow of Bangor, Maine; her daughter Rebecca (Becky) Hebert and husband Corey Hebert of Dunbarton, New Hampshire; and her daughter Amy Way and husband Jacob Cooper of Brooklyn, New York. Joan, a devoted grandmother, is survived by three grandchildren including Madelyn Hebert (15), Wyatt Cooper (11) and Ezra Cooper (6). She is also survived by her brothers Donald Paul Givens and partner Jan Kittleson of Winthrop, Washington and David Earl Givens and wife Elizabeth Givens of Williamsburg, Virginia, and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

Joan was the heart of our home and will be dearly missed. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Matthews Chapel in Sugar Hill, New Hampshire, September 21, 2024, at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to North Country Home Health & Hospice Agency, The Bancroft House, or Willing Workers Society of Sugar Hill.