Joanne 'Jodie' C. Herbert, 77

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Joanne “Jodie” Claire (Sweeney) Herbert, a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Jodie passed away peacefully on April 6, 2025, at the age of 77, surrounded by her loved ones. Jodie will be remembered for her grace, quick wit, and impeccable style, but most of all for her profound empathy and her natural affinity for bringing people together and forging genuine affection out of even the briefest of encounters.

Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on July 23, 1947, to Clara (Buckley) Sweeney and Joseph Sweeney, Jodie grew up in Arlington, Massachusetts. After high school she moved to Boston, where she both studied and worked at Boston University. Jodie later lived in Arizona, Illinois, Texas and New York before settling in New Hampshire, where she made her home in the Lakes Region for the next 50 years.

Jodie possessed a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome, seen, and valued — whether family, friends, or strangers. This talent served her well in her real estate career and later in the hotel industry. Whether finding clients their perfect home or managing guest services at Mill Falls at the Lake, she prioritized others' needs with genuine care. Hospitality was her true passion, evident in her thoughtfully hosted dinner parties, holiday gatherings, book clubs, and trips with loved ones.

Beyond her personal connections, Jodie demonstrated a deep commitment to community service. She served on the Winnipesaukee Playhouse board and the Greater Meredith Program Sculpture Walk Committee, helped Meredith achieve its America in Bloom "Champion Town" status, and managed the Mill Falls Marketplace Association for over 20 years. Her home became a welcoming venue for countless fundraisers supporting local nonprofits and political causes alike.

Jodie's capacity for love extended to virtually every aspect of her life. An animal lover who cared for many pets throughout her years, she shared a special bond with her beloved Portuguese water dog, Barco. She cherished her girlfriends and family deeply, reserving perhaps her greatest affection for her two grandchildren, Max and Gus. Creating art brought her tremendous joy, particularly the painting trips she delighted in with close friends and the annual Christmas cards she crafted that became collector's items. Her enthusiasm manifested in her love of travel, cooking (and sharing recipes), and reading — always ready with the perfect book recommendation for anyone who asked. Each of these reflected the thoughtful, generous spirit with which she approached all aspects of her life.

Jodie is survived by her husband Edward “Rusty” McLear of Meredith; her daughter Lyndsey and her husband Alex Stoyle of Concord; her cherished grandchildren Maxine J. Stoyle and Gustav William Stoyle; her stepsons Brendan McLear of Baltimore, Maryland, and Colin McLear and his wife Jessica Metzler of Warwick, Rhode Island; her first husband William “Bill” Herbert and his wife Diane of Sanbornton; her brother James Sweeney and his wife Nancy of Plymouth, Massachusetts; her sister Sharon Coppola and her husband Bruno of Moultonborough; her brother Mark Sweeney of Waltham, Massachusetts; and many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family, including the Stoyle family. She is predeceased by her stepsisters Christine Gilley and Constance Garrahan, and dog Barco.

An open house style celebration of Jodie’s life will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, at Church Landing in Meredith. All who loved her are warmly invited to gather, remember, and raise a glass in her honor.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you share your favorite memory or story of Jodie by email to sharejodiestories@gmail.com before the celebration of life.

She always visited but was quick to leave, and true to her style, she has left us all wanting more. Her light and laughter will be dearly missed, but her spirit will live on in all who loved her.