RIPLEY – Joanne M. Hibbard, 55, died Sept. 22, 2009, at a Pittsfield hospital, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born Sept. 11, 1954, in Dexter, daughter of Douglas and Theresa (Genest) Gilbert. Joanne graduated from Dexter Regional High School, Class of 1972 and received her Bachelor of Science degree in education from the University of Maine at Farmington, Class of 1976. She was highly regarded as a very dedicated teacher in the Dexter school system, where she had taught for the past 33 years. Joanne was active with Dexter Firefighters Association and helped to operate the antique hand pumper in the local parades. She was also very active in community affairs, helping with local charities. She is survived by her husband, Everett L. Hibbard of Ripley; her parents of Dexter; a daughter, Alyson deWildt and her husband, Kevin, of Stetson, and their children, Lilly and Nick; a sister, Linda Reardon and her husband, Bill, of Orrington, and their children, Lance, Seth, Ryan and Kirby, and their families. She will also be remembered by many close and special friends. Friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at Crosby & Neal, 61 Main St., Dexter. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Saturday at Dexter Regional High School, with the Rev. Mark Nolan officiating. Burial will be at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Dexter. Joanne requested that flowers be omitted. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to her favorite charities which include Dexter Primary School Library, Dexter Firefighter’s Association or Tyler Wintle Scholarship Fund, care of Bangor Savings Bank, P.O. Box 308, Dexter, ME 04930. Joanne also requested that family and friends wear casual clothes; jeans and t-shirts are accepted. For an online guest register, go to www.CrosbyNeal.com.
JOANNE M. HIBBARD
