Joan L. (Beaulieu) Tarr 81, a life long resident of Harrisville died on Thursday, August 7, 2014. She passed peacefully in the comfort of her home with her large family near after a period of declining health.
Joan was born the daughter of the late Viola L. (Russell) (Beaulieu) Gibbs and Emile C. Beaulieu on July 3, 1933 in Peterborough. She was educated locally and graduated from Dublin Consolidated School.
On August 9, 1949 she exchanged vows with Wesley R. Tarr Sr. They were married with family and friends in attendance in Peterborough. The Tarrs were married for forty one years until his passing in 1990.
Joan was the proud and resourceful mother of ten children. She enjoyed baking, working in her vegetable and flower gardens, and spending time with her large family. She especially enjoyed making maple syrup at the Tarr family sugarhouse and was the recipient of the New Hampshire Maple Syrup Producers Association Carlisle Award in 1988. After raising her family, she worked as a part time house keeper for various families. Joan retired in 2011 at the age of 78. Joan was a long suffering Red Sox fan and also a fan of the New England Patriots.
A truly stoic woman, Joan remained so until the end. In the final weeks of her life, a great gift to the family was her ability to find joy in each day, to laugh and reminisce. She was a kind and gentle soul and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Mrs. Tarr is survived by her children and their spouses; Wesley R. Tarr Jr. of Harrisville, Diane Davis of Dublin, Randy Tarr Sr. and his wife Phyllis of Harrisville, Rebecca Coutu and her husband Steven of Athol, MA. Joanne Farwell and her husband John of Swanzey, Brian Tarr and his fianc Cherie Dennis of Marlborough, Wendy Smith of Ashuelot, Nancy Ringland of Swanzey, Michael Tarr and his wife Buffy of Nelson and Patricia Tarr and her partner Mark Meany of Harrisville. Her siblings: Annette Johnson of Londonderry, VT. and Thomas Beaulieu Sr. and his wife Margaret of Dixon, MO. Her eighteen grandchildren: Kelly Sutherland, Jason Tarr, Andrea Tarr, Andrew Tarr, Amy Sannes, John Farwell, Melanie Farwell, Bradley Davis, Jennifer Arpide, Christopher Coutu, Keith Coutu, Randy Tarr Jr., Kaitlyn Tarr, Sarah Tarr, Stephanie Tarr, Angela Blake, Matthew Tarr, and Melinda Smith. Her twenty four great grandchildren: Dylan Sutherland, Tyler Sutherland, Ethan Olmstead, Wyatt Tarr, Maya Tarr, Nina Sannes, Rowen Farwell, Darius Farwell, Aida Davis, Samson Davis, Amelie Davis, Isla Davis, Elizabeth Arpide, Connor Arpide, Daniel Arpide, Alyssa Coutu, Lauren Coutu, Morgan Coutu, Kaitlyn Coutu, Abigail Coutu, Connor Blake, Hailey Blake, Brianna Goodrich, Jacob Tarr; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A son in-law, Jim Ringland, died earlier. Joan also will be sorely missed by her companion and four-legged friend Roger Cat.
In keeping with Joans wishes a private graveside service has been held in the family lot at Willard Hill Cemetery in Chesham. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that others perform an act of kindness to honor the memory of this great lady. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories. 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com.
