Joanne M. Stitham - Willis

Born in Portland Maine on April 28th, 1940 to Francis Stitham, Joanne grew up with her three brothers, William Stitham, (who predeceased her in 2012), Richard Stitham from South Carolina, and, her baby brother Randall Stitham from Old Orchard Beach, Maine.

She lived for many years in Presque Isle Maine, where she graduated from Presque Isle High School in 1960. Joanne was closest to the Thomas Family who loved her as their own, with Dawn Thomas-Grover being her closest lifelong friend.

She also lived in Boston, MA for ten years before relocating to Richmond VA in 1978. She worked at MCV in transportation and the Mackie Vending Co, as well as Meals on Wheels before becoming a CNA from the Beatitudes School.  She worked in geriatric nursing for many years before becoming a home care assistant.

Joanne leaves her four children, Dawn Saulnier-LaBelle of Feeding Hills MA, Sherry Saulnier, James Willis and Nicole Willis, all of Richmond VA.  Joanne had so many close friends, who she always treated as her family.  She was the proud grandmother of Ashley Saulnier, Joanna Willis, Jasmine Willis, James and Joshua Willis-Hatcher, Jena Willis-Hatcher, Malik Willis, Julieana Hernandez, Jayana Hernandez, Ciara and Haylee Abrams, James Shepperson, Samantha Moseley, Angelo Williams, and Anthony Williams.  She also leaves four nieces and a nephew.

Joanne moved back home to Portland in 2008. She was involved with the Senior Center and was often going on their trips to shows, the beach, and to Boston. She often made beautiful handmade crocheted blankets for hospital patients, family and friends.

Joanne loved the snow and, until last year, was always found outside making snow angels as soon as a storm had ended. She often listened to K.D. Lang and played Angry Birds to pass the time when she was home bound.

Joanne's family would like you to know how grateful they are to her son, James Willis, who relocated to Maine and took great care of his mother for the last six months, always being by her side. We appreciate your selflessness so very much and we are proud of the care you gave every day.

Funeral Arrangements are incomplete at this time