Joan Inez Fowles passed away peacefully at home on December 4, 2025, at the age of 88. She was born on March 17, 1937, in Rockland, Maine, the daughter of Chester and Marcia Grierson. Her name—actually pronounced “Jo-Ann”—was said incorrectly her entire life, and she let it slide with the kind of patience only a saint could manage. She also disliked her middle name, Inez, and would surely be rolling her eyes to know it made it into her obituary—but not everyone is lucky enough to have a middle name with such charm.

In March of 1956, Joan married the love of her life, George Fowles. Together, they built a humble yet beautiful life, filled with hard work, laughter, love, and a devotion that carried them through an extraordinary 63 years, until George’s passing in 2019. In 1968, they built the family home on Grierson Road in South Thomaston—a home that became the heart of countless gatherings, celebrations, and cherished memories.

Joan’s favorite song was All The Gold in California by Larry Gatlin. She delighted in the simple pleasures of life: watching The Waltons and old westerns, baking delicious pies and savory biscuits, and cooking meatballs and sauce which were so good, she would easily trade them for lobsters.  She loved spending time with people—especially young children, whom she adored. In her free time, she enjoyed going out to lunch for Chinese food, popping into town for a Diet Pepsi at McDonald’s, or stopping by Wasses for a hotdog, or two—simple joys that brought her great happiness.

Joan and George raised three children together: Arlene Dill and her husband Roger of Chelsea; Roger Fowles and his wife Shelly of North Whitefield; and Wayne Fowles and his wife Jean of Spruce Head. Joan found her greatest joy in her family and welcomed each new grandchild and great-grandchild with open arms, a radiant smile, and a heart full of love. Her grandchildren, who meant the world to her, include Chad Brackett and his wife Heather of Surry; Samantha Morse and her husband Bryan of Spruce Head; Adam Brackett and his wife Megan of Union; Ashley Earl of New Gloucester; Justin Fowles and his companion Chelsea of Appleton; and Jason Earl and his wife Tayler of Pittston. She also leaves behind her beloved great-grandchildren: Dakotah, Madison, Molly, Lucas, Evan, Elijah, Noah, and Owen.

Growing up in a large, close-knit family, Joan was blessed with many siblings, many of whom have passed: Philip Grierson, Milton Grierson, Roger Grierson, Hester Dennison, Isabelle Laramie, Shirley Grant, Ellen Miller, Gerald Grierson, Larry Grierson, Pauline Dennison, Lillian Young, and Sandra Wilkinson.

Those who knew Joan will remember her as someone truly special—kind-hearted, warm, welcoming, and deeply loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was a bright light in so many lives and the heart of her family. Her home was always open, and her heart even more so. Joan had a gift for making everyone feel like family.

Though she will be deeply missed, Joan leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to ripple through her family for generations. May she rest peacefully in heaven, reunited with her beloved George. Her memory will be forever held in the hearts of those who loved her.