Joanne E. Isherwood

Plaistow, NH: Joanne E. (Fyfe) Isherwood, age 55 and a resident of Plaistow since 1995, died Sunday, August 5, 2012, at her home after a long and valiant battle with cancer, surrounded by her family. She never gave up her will to fight and inspired and comforted those around her with her courage and determination during her struggle.

Born in Newport, Rhode Island, daughter of the late William and Geraldine (Moore) Fyfe, she was raised in North Reading and North Andover and was a member of the North Andover High School Class of 1974. She attended Mt. Ida College and received her Associates degree in Early Childhood Education and later received an additional Associates Degree in Human Services from Northern Essex Community College. She furthered her education with a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Human Services from Springfield College.

Joanne spent twenty years traveling and living across the United States and other countries as the wife of an Air Force serviceman, where she worked in Air Force base day care centers and schools.

She was employed for many years at Dare Family Services of Newburyport and most recently as a family and group counselor at Emmaus House in Haverhill. She had also previously worked as a sales agent for Bridge Realty Century 21.

A longtime member of First Baptist Church,Plaistow, she was active as a church deacon and former treasurer and member of the Pulpit Committee and Tri-Angle Guild.  A volunteer for Beacon Hospice, Joanne devoted much of her energy to her family and her children.

She is survived by her husband of thirty'seven years, Stephen J. Isherwood, three sons, Benjamin J. Isherwood and his girlfriend Alicia Amico of Tewksbury,MA, Jacob D. Isherwood and his wife Sarah of Hampstead, and Peter J. Isherwood of Plaistow, a daughter Anne E. Isherwood  of Plaistow and her boyfriend Rafe Longver,of Tuftonboro, five brothers,  William A. "Skip"' Fyfe,Jr. of Tyngsboro,MA, Douglas B. Fyfe, of Pelham, John J. Fyfe of Hampstead, Bradford S. Fyfe of Bennington, and Edward M. Fyfe of Plaistow, also several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives and friends may call Thursday, August 9, 2012 from 2 to 4 & 6 to 8 p.m. at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main St, Route121A, Plaistow, NH. Her funeral will be held on Friday at 10a.m. in First Baptist Church, Main St., Plaistow with burial to follow in Plaistow Cemetery. Donations in her name may be made to Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence, MA or to First Baptist Church, 122 Main St., Plaistow, NH.