Shrewsbury – Joanne W. (Staples) Coykendall, 90, of Shrewsbury, MA, formerly of Manchester, passed away peacefully at the Coleman House of Northborough, on Wednesday April 26, 2023. She was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Eldon Boyes “Corky” Coykendall, in 2006.
She leaves her children, who loved her to the moon and back: Mame Little and her husband Paul, of Shrewsbury, MA, and Andrew Coykendall and his wife Dawn, of Sitka, AK; her grandchildren, Grace Little and Tatsu Shigeta, of Roslindale, MA, Hilary and Matthew Brousseau, of North Attleborough, MA, Alexander Little, of Westfield, MA, and Erin Coykendall, of Sitka, AK; and her beautiful great-grandsons, Owen and Caleb Brousseau. Joanne was predeceased by her brother, Arthur Justin Staples, Jr.; and their parents, Arthur J. Staples, Sr. and Georgina P. B. (Weaver) Staples.
Joanne was born in Worcester where she treasured her childhood in the Kimball Street neighborhood. The family moved to Presque Isle, Maine, where Joanne graduated from Presque Isle High School. She later graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor’s degree in history. Joanne’s love of learning continued to bring her great joy throughout her lifetime.
Joanne worked for many years in Manchester, CT for the Manchester Area Conference of Churches until her retirement. Her work there embodied her life’s dedication to serving others in need.
She celebrated the beauty and joy of life through her love of God and devotion to her spiritual journey. Throughout her years Joanne was a devoted member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Worcester, Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford, St. George’s Episcopal Church in Bolton, and St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, East Berlin. Since 1984 she felt God’s love as a Companion of the Society of Companions of the Holy Cross; a women’s Episcopal organization.
Joanne was an avid reader of history, mysteries, and biographies. She loved gardening and maintaining her beautiful flower beds, and she loved discovering the treasures of antique postcards.
For their love and tender care, Joanne’s family would like to thank the many caregivers of Seabury Meadows Memory Center of Bloomfield, CT, the Orchard Grove Memory Center of Shrewsbury, the Coleman House of Northborough, as well as the angels of Notre Dame Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Episcopal Relief and Development, 815 Second Ave, New York, NY 10017 ([email protected]).
Private services will be held at the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home. Burial will be held at a later date at All Saints Chapel on Orr’s Island, Maine.
