Joan (Irvine) Barlow, 92, died peacefully at the Newfield House in Plymouth on December 4, 2014 Joan was born in Plymouth MA to the late Florence and Oliver Irvine but was raised in Wakefield RI. She completed one year at college at the University of Rhode Island and left school to marry David E. Barlow at the start of WWII. After her husband returned from the war, she and David moved back to Plymouth. With three small children Joan returned to complete her undergraduate teaching degree at Bridgewater State College and began her career as a first grade teacher at Hedge School in Plymouth. She later obtained her Master’s degree specializing in reading. She then taught reading in Scituate, MA for 25 years and, following retirement, worked as a substitute teacher into her early 80’s.
Joan will always be known for her positive energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to try anything. Despite her fear of heights, she learned to downhill ski in her 60’s. She also enjoyed playing tennis later in life. She was an avid and talented knitter and enjoyed crafts of many kinds. Joan traveled the world with her daughter Deborah and friends. She was a member of the Eel River Beach Club, Black and White Club, Garden Club and a knitting club.
Joan leaves her children, John Barlow and his wife, Diane of Orland ME, Deborah Torrance of Plymouth and Susan Meyer and her husband Richard of Norwell. She was well loved by her 7 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Joan’s family would like to extend a warm and heartfelt thank you to the friends and staff at the Newfield House. Love, laughter, and the best care available made her last 19 months the best conclusion to a wonderful life.
There will be a celebration of her life on December 13, 2014 from 11-2 at the Souther’s Marsh in Plymouth. All friends and family are lovingly invited to attend.
Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her name to the ALS Foundation For Life, PO Box 504 Franklin MA, 02038 or the Newfield House Scholarship fund, 19 Newfield St. Plymouth MA. 02360
On line condolences can be made at richarddavisfuneralhome.com