Joan (Evans) Chandler

Sunapee, NH: Joan Evans Chandler, 83, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2024 at the Jack Byrne Hospice Center in Lebanon after a period of declining health.  She was born on October 31, 1940 in Bridgton, Maine to the late James M. and Ada S. (Browne) Evans.  

Joan spent her early years in Maine before moving to Stoneham, MA for a short time and then, after her parents died, moving to Newport and then finally to Sunapee.   She graduated from Towle High School in Newport and then attended NH Technical Institute in Manchester. Joan spent 37 years working for the Sunapee School District and was named School Secretary of the Year in 2005.  She retired in 2006.  

Joan was passionate about everything artistic.  She was an artist, painter, writer, singer, and enjoyed drawing.  She loved poetry, nature, horses, all the Boston sports teams, and spending time with family and friends. Joan met and married Rodney Chandler of Sunapee and they spent 54 years together before his death in 2015.  They raised their family in Sunapee and Joan was very involved in many groups and community organizations in the Sunapee area. She was in writing groups, a singing group, the Time Travelers, and had a core group of wonderful friends, the Wild Women.   She loved her family and especially her great-grandkids, who lovingly called her, Old Nana.

She was predeceased by her parents; loving husband, Rodney Chandler; and siblings, James and Muriel Evans.

Surviving family members include her children, Dean Chandler of Thornton, and Diane Rankins and her husband, Leo, of Newbury; grandson, Scott Rankins and his wife, Casey, of Bow; great-grandchildren, Isla and Cameron; longtime special friend, Anna Duke; and many friends.  

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Lake Sunapee Region VNA, PO Box 2209, New London, NH 03257 or Sunapee Food Pantry, 23 Edgemont Rd., Sunapee, NH  03782. 

Calling hours will be held on Saturday October 5 from 1-4 PM at Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Newport, NH. Everyone is welcome to wear their favorite Boston sport team's jersey. A private burial will be held in South Sunapee Cemetery.

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