Joan Bisson

STRAFFORD ; Joan S. (Staples) Bisson, 73, of Parker Mountain Road, died Friday, Feb. 13, 2009, at the Hyder Family Hospice House in Dover.Born March 30, 1935, in Berwick, Maine, she is the daughter of the late Guy and Mary (Drago) Staples.A lifelong student, she enjoyed reading immensely, particularly biographies of famous women as well as attending the occasional course or lecture. A nature lover, her favorite escape was the Nubble lighthouse in York, Maine. She was blessed with several close friends who enabled her to fulfill her deepest wish to remain at home despite her lengthy illness. She was truly grateful for their support.Members of her family include her children, Peter Bisson and wife, Fay, of New York, Eric Bisson and wife, Laurie, of New Durham, Craig Bisson and wife, Cindy, of Gonic, and Elizabeth (Bisson) Pivarunas and husband, James, of Rochester; a brother, Bruce Staples of Arizona; her aunt, Leona Canney of Rochester; her grandchildren, Tim, Stephen, Eric, Tyler, Stephan, Alexander, Shana, Dan, Christa, Amber and Kevin; and her great-grandchildren, Hannah and Chloe. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Edward J. Bisson.Family and friends may visit Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the R. M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home, 86 S. Main Street, Rochester, N.H. 03867.A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday, Feb., 16, 2009, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Lowell Street, Rochester, N.H. with Fr. Pierre Baker as celebrant.Burial will be at the Center Strafford Cemetery in the spring.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hyder Family Hospice, 10 Hampton Road, Exeter, N.H. 03833.Visit the online guest book at www.fosters.com/obits