Isabell "Joan" Drolet's Obituary
Salem, NH - Isabell “Joan” (Martelle) Drolet, 77 of Salem, NH, passed away quietly at home on Sunday, January 7, 2018.
Joan was born in Methuen on October 5, 1940, the daughter of James and Rita (Lahey) Martelle. Joan grew up as a communicant of the St. Monica’s Church. Joan was the second child pre-deceased by all her siblings, Barbara, Nancy, Veronica, Rita, James and Jack.
Joan was raised and educated in Methuen. In 1959 she married Henry A. Shepard, Sr, and together they had 3 boys, Henry, Jr., Kevin, and Steven.
Joan met Kenneth Drolet, Sr. in 1980 and then married in 1982. Joan spent the rest of her life enjoying the time with her soul mate and the addition of his children, Kenneth, Jr, Scott, and Dawn. They enjoyed motorcycle riding, going to yard sales, family games, traveling with the family, and most of all camping.
Joan worked many jobs over the years; starting with the family business Clam Haven, Woolworths, Unitrod, Shepard’s, a Family Store, Tobin Food Services, Everett Mills Coffee Cup and ending with the Supervisor of Food Services at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen. Joan always enjoyed her time working but most enjoyed dressing up and decorating for all holiday celebrations as the Easter Bunny, Mrs. Clause, or any other character associated with the holidays.
Joan was most proud of her time foster parenting and volunteering with many organizations such as the Methuen VFW Women’s Auxiliary of which she is a Past President.
Joan will be deeply missed by her loving husband Ken, all her children, Hank, Jr, and his wife Cookie, Kevin and his wife Laurie, Steve and his wife Kim, Ken, Jr. and his wife Missy, Scott, and Dawn and her husband Doug; her 11 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and the many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to honor and celebrate Joan’s life by gathering for her calling hours on Thursday, January 11, 2018 from 4 – 8 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen. Her funeral service will be celebrated at 9 AM on Friday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Methuen with a celebration of life at the Derry-Salem Elks 2226 in Salem, NH.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,
313 Washington St, Suite 310, Newton, Massachusetts 02458. For directions and online guestbook, please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Drolet family.
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