Joan Harriman

On May 15, after a brief illness, Joan Harriman passed away, reuniting with her loving husband of 51 years, David; her beloved grandson, Kaleb Clowes; and her "baby brother" Bob Gurney. Joan was a kind and loving matriarch of her family, and though our loss is great, we know she has finished her race and is enjoying her rest with the Lord. Joan was born the first child to Cleve and Dorothy Gurney on July 29, 1934. Two younger brothers, Vinton and Robert, followed. She graduated from Maine State Teachers' College with a degree in Elementary Education. Never one to hesitate once she made up her mind, Joan graduated college, married David, and started her first teaching position in three consecutive days! All who met her will remember her smile and zest for life. Up before the crack of dawn, you could find her doing aerobics, vacuuming the house, taking care of a beloved pet, or tending the garden. Throughout her career, she was a loving and dedicated teacher. Each year she would read Charlotte's Web to her class, tearing up at the end of the story every time. She taught for 33 years, first at Dunstan School in Scarborough, and then at White Rock and Narragansett Schools in Gorham, earning her master's degree in the process. Joan and David had 4 children: Peter, Paul, Mark, and Jenn. She loved gathering family and friends together for cookouts, pool parties and holiday celebrations. She and David also enjoyed camping trips with their family. The annual church camping trip was a highlight. Joan and her family attended South Gorham Baptist Church, which later became part of Summit Community Church. Joan was a prominent member of her church community; teaching Sunday School, helping with Vacation Bible School and in the nursery, knitting for the mitten tree at Christmastime, and being part of the kitchen crew for many years. Joan is survived by her brother: Vinton Gurney, children and their spouses: Peter Harriman and his wife Beth, Paul Harriman and his wife Kelly, Mark Harriman, and Jenn Harriman Clowes. Grandchildren: Christopher Harriman, Ryan Harriman and his wife Chelsea, Joshua Harriman and his wife Jillian Neary, Nathaniel Harriman and his partner Nicole Haeger, Jessica Dechaine and her husband Donny, Rachel Harriman, Jacob Clowes, and Kaitlyn Clowes, and her great granddaughter: Eloise Faith Dechaine. Also, nephews: Christopher, Timothy, David, Daniel, and Michael Gurney and niece Cathy Gurney. Friends and family are invited to attend visiting hours Friday, May 19, from 6:00- 8:00 PM, and a celebration of life on Saturday, May 20 at 11:00 AM, both at Summit Community Church, 26 Cressey Rd., Gorham, Maine.

Joan Harriman

May 15, 2023

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