Dorchester, New Hampshire-

Joan Frances Durkee, 76, died Tuesday, September 25, 2012 surrounded by her family at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH.

She was born July 6, 1936 in Lyme, NH the daughter of John and Meda (Roberts) Fields. She graduated from Orford High School in 1954. She later met and was married to Leonard Durkee on September 29, 1956 in Lyme, NH, they lived in and around Thetford for many years. She worked for a time as a clerk at D.C. McLean's Hardware and Coffins Garage in Fairlee, VT. Joan then went to work at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Housekeeping retiring after 30 years.

Joan enjoyed Knitting, working crosswords, and putting together her infamous holiday displays. But her greatest joy came from spending time with her family especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is predeceased by a brother Dale Fields; two sisters Joyce Fields and Mary Jane Huntington; and a great-grandson Brandon Cilley

Joan is survived by her husband Leonard Durkee of Dorchester; four children Gary Durkee and his wife Becky of West Fairlee, Terrie Henry of East Corinth and her husband Forrest, Greg Durkee and long time companion Tina Popielski of Dorchester, NH, and Paul Durkee and his wife Laura-lee of Grantham, NH seven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; two brothers Jimmy Fields of Orford, NH and Bruce Fields of Burlington, VT; a sister Carol Hurlbert of Berlin, NH and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held Monday, October 1, 2012 from 6-8PM at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction, VT. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Upper Valley Humane Society, 300 Old Etna Road Lebanon, NH 03766 in memorey of her beloved dogs, Max, Thunder and Jewell.