ROCKLAND — Joan K. Rahkonen, 82, died peacefully March 29, 2014, surrounded by her family, at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.

Born in Rockland Sept. 7, 1931, she was the daughter of Harold and Florence Whitten Kennison. Educated locally, she attended Rockland schools.

Following high school, Joan married Tauno Rahkonen Dec. 7, 1952, in Rockland. Joan spent her life as a dedicated mother to her seven children. They remember her as an excellent cook, and she was well known for her biscuits. They said as they grew, she changed from giving birthday gifts to giving each one their favorite homemade pie, cake or meal.

Later in life Joan worked as a cook at the Lucette Boarding Home in Thomaston for many years.

Joan was an animal lover, and took great joy and comfort in the seven St. Bernards she raised over the years. They were her family. She also loved caring for her beloved bleeding heart plant in her yard.

Family was everything to Joan. Sunday afternoon gatherings, surrounded by her cooking, conversation and family, brought her countless hours of joy and memories that the family will share forever.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Predeceased by her husband in 1985; a son, Neil W. Rahkonen in 2013; a granddaughter, Tara-Lynn Rahkonen in 2005; and four siblings; Joan is survived by her sons, Donald Rahkonen and his wife, Cindy, of Rockland, Scott Rahkonen and his partner, Laurie Prey, of South Thomaston, and Kevin Rahkonen and his partner, Jesse Hooper, of Spruce Head; her daughters, Donna Emery and Debra Rahkonen, both of Rockland, and Dianne Rahkonen and her partner, Wayne Thorndike, of South Thomaston; her sister, Rebecca Dyer of Rockland; 18 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; and one great great-grandchild.

At Joan's request, her family will be remembering her life privately. She will be laid to rest beside her husband at Wiley's Corner Cemetery in St. George.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland.