Joan Ruth (Morton) Gratton, 89, of Winchester, NH. died peacefully Wednesday, March 10, 2021, at the home of her daughter, Susan Hernon, in Rockingham, VT. where she had made her home the past few years.
Joan was born in Norwalk, CT. to Helen R. (Stabell) and James E. Morton. She graduated from Norwalk High School in 1949.
On July 9, 1949, she married Charles “Charlie” Gratton at Trinity Episcopal Church in South Norwalk, CT.
Joan had met Charlie when they were both working at H.L. Green’s in Norwalk. After marrying, Joan and Charlie moved to Georgia, Maine, and Massachusetts while Charlie was in the Army. They settled back in Norwalk, CT. where they ran a successful heating business together; Joan liked to tell tales of answering calls, dispatching servicemen, and keeping the accounts straight all while raising six children. After moving to Hinsdale, NH. Joan worked for many years at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital in Brattleboro, VT. and Prospect Park Press in West Chesterfield, NH. In later years they made their home in Winchester, NH. in her beloved log cabin. A true patriot, Joan enjoyed visiting much of the United States while traveling with Charlie in their RV.
Joan was a Boy Scout den mother as well as a Girl Scout leader. Joan enjoyed embroidery and reading. She loved watching Westerns and Perry Mason. Most of all she loved spending time with family. In recent years Joan volunteered many hours at the Thayer Public Library as well as the Winchester Historical Society. She was an active member of the United Church of Winchester and had many good friends there.
Survivors include her children Linda C. Burdo and her husband Douglas of Peru, ME; Kathy A. Barnard and her husband Edwin of Pescadero, CA; Susan M. Hernon and her husband Thomas of Rockingham, VT; daughters-in-law Joyce Gratton of Fremont, NH; Kathy Jean Gratton of Spofford, NH; Kimberley Gratton of Epping, NH; her sister Nancy Santella of South Norwalk, CT; her thirteen grandchildren and their spouses; Hope Blodgett, Michael Gratton, Billie Jo Gratton Kangethe, Sara Barnard, Eric Burdo, Jennie Barnard, Kristian Gratton, Jeffrey Gratton, Sheila Bright, Nicole D’Aleo, Brian Hernon, Amy Brown and Rachel Gratton; nineteen great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and numerous friends. She was predeceased by her parents, husband Charlie, three sons Charles H. Gratton, III, Richard J. Gratton, and David J. Gratton, two grandchildren Jeffrey A. Gratton and Peter J. Gratton, and sister Mary Karahalios.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 pm. in the funeral chapel. In keeping with CDC standards masks and social distancing will be required. At her request, the burial will be private. Donations in Mrs. Gratton’s memory can be made to the
Thayer Public Library
P.O. Box 67
Ashuelot, NH 03441 or the
Winchester Historical Society
391 Back Ashuelot Rd.
Winchester, NH. 03470.
All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com
