Joan F. (Woodhull) Willey

Newport, NH: Joan F. Willey, age 90, passed away peacefully at home on March 19, 2026. She fought Dementia for four years and had been bedridden with basically no ability to communicate for the past three.

Joan was born in Newport, April 13, 1935, to John and Phyllis Woodhull. Joan would have celebrated her 91st birthday April 13th.

In 1958 she began teaching elementary school for a long and distinguished 32 years. During this time she married Cedric Wayne Willey and they had two children, Heidi and Shawn. After retiring from the Newport School system, she volunteered at the Newport Senior Center, first as Vice President and then as President for 23 years.

In 1974 she won an award for Outstanding Teacher.

In 1982 she became a Mary Kay Consultant and in 1990 when she retired from teaching, she became a Mary Kay Director and earned a pink Cadillac.

In 1995 she was named Woman of the Year by the BPW - Business and Professional Women.

In 1999 she won the Joseph D. Vaughan award for Sullivan County, (NH Division of Elderly & Adult Services over the age of 60) who have shown outstanding leadership or demonstrated meritorious achievement as a volunteer on behalf of older citizens of NH.

In 2002 she was recognized by the Chamber of Commerce and received the Distinguished Citizen Award.

Family members include her daughter Heidi Willey Patten and son Shawn Alan Willey, Shawn's wife April, their two sons Ethan and Nathan. Nathan's wife Brittney, their son Hayden and Daughter Addison. Dezi Patten and his daughter Cali Patten. Heidi's significant other Ted, Ethan's significant other Michaela Tyrell, Shawn's daughter Britney Osgood, her husband Nathan Judd, and their sons Asher and Elijah. She is survived by Jean Beauchaine, her youngest sister, and preceded in death by her sister Janice Lacroix.

A graveside service will be held in warmer weather at Pine Grove Cemetery.

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