MEREDITH — Joanne Skidds, 84, of Massachusetts Avenue, passed away on Jan. 1, 2025, at Forestview Manor.

Joanne was born on May 10, 1940, in Rochester, the daughter of Alphonse and Barbara (Littlefield) Plante.

Joanne attended Rochester schools and graduated from Spaulding High School in 1958. Shortly thereafter she married John David Skidds of Farmington, and moved to the picturesque town of Meredith where they raised their seven children.

She worked in the packing and shipping department of Annalee Dolls for 21 years. She loved animals and after retiring she often did house pet sitting for her friends. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Meredith and enjoyed attending services and singing in the choir. In addition to being an avid reader, she liked the challenge of doing word puzzles such as “Search-a-Word.” She was a former member of the Meredith women’s bowling league.

Joanne is survived by her sons, Ronald Skidds and his wife Patty of Killeen, Texas, Donald Skidds and his wife Carol of Dothan, Alabama, and Michael Skidds of Minot, North Dakota; daughter Sandra Hoffman and husband Tim of New Ipswich; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brothers David and his wife Lorraine Plante of Englewood, Florida, Stephen Plante of Port Charlotte, Florida, and sister Carol Lopez and Raymond of Leland, North Carolina. In addition to her parents and husband, Joanne is predeceased by her sons Edward Skidds and John Skidds and daughter Debra Layne.

At this time there will be no services.

A burial will be held at a later date at Oakland Cemetery in Meredith.

A special thank you to all the incredible people with the Lakes Region VNA Hospice for taking excellent care of our mother while she was in hospice care. I would also like to thank Forestview Manor for providing a wonderful place for our mother and the around-the-clock care they provided.

For those who wish, please send donations in Joanne’s name to the American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852, or to the New Hampshire Humane Society, P.O. Box 572, Laconia, NH 03247, or to any local animal shelter.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.

(2) entries

Marj

The above from Marj and Walt Newcomb

Marj

Our condolences to all of Joanne's family. Joanne was one of the first attendees of Sweet Monday Widow's Ministry at FB Church in Meredith started well over 18 yrs ago. We shared many spiritual conversations, laughter and tears, and car rides together on field trips. I enjoyed her company and her "country" ways.

Most of all I take comfort in knowing that she is absent from the body and present with the Lord. And I hope that all of you do as well. In that she leaves you a great legacy.

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