Joan T. Bosely, 84, of Keene, NH, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on August 11, 2022. Born in Westmoreland, NH, on November 1, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence Gourley and Aurore (Berthiaume) Gourley.
Early childhood was spent on the family farm in Westmoreland and later moved to Keene, NH, where she attended St. Joseph’s and, later, Keene High School graduating in 1955. She worked for numerous businesses in the Keene area throughout her professional career. Early on she worked many jobs at the same time to care and provide for her family. She started her career at American Optical where she became the company’s first woman supervisor. She then worked for New Hope/New Horizons and Southwestern Community Services and was instrumental in developing the young mothers program. Helping others was a deep passion of hers and it brought her joy to be able to assist others in achieving their goals. Later in her career, she worked for the town of Winchester and then the town of Nelson until retirement. She cherished her time spent with family, friends, colleagues, and clients. Joan was so proud of her family.
She is survived by her 4 loving children: son, Michael Bosely and his wife, Sharon, of Munsonville, NH; son, James Bosely and his partner, Pam Souza of Connecticut; daughter, Brenda Prime and her fiancé Doug Waters of Keene, NH; and son Vincent Bosely of Provincetown, MA. She is also survived by her 7 grandchildren (Mandy, Nathan, Kevin, Katie, Dan, Ian, and Josh), and 15 great-grandchildren, along with her 2 sisters-in-law (Sandy Gourley and Sandy Bosely), and nieces and nephew. She is predeceased by her parents, Lawrence and Aurore; her husband, Robert (Bob) Arthur Bosely, of 30 years until his death in 1985; and her brother, James Gourley of Surry, NH.
Joan was an amazing soul who showed love and guidance to everyone that came into her life. She enjoyed life and spent her time with family. The Catholic/Christian faith was instrumental of how she wanted to live her life. She gave unconditional love and support to numerous children in her lifetime. Joan was an avid reader and she loved to cook. When given the opportunity, Joan never passed up the chance to dance (she could really cut up a rug!). Joan loved to travel. She visited Ireland, Hawaii, Jamaica, Cape Cod, Nassau, and New York City to enjoy Broadway shows. She enjoyed spending time, fishing and boating, and appreciating God’s beauty through nature with her husband and children. We will miss her always and loved her dearly.
Calling hours will be held at Fletcher Funeral Home (33 Marlboro St.) in Keene, NH, on Monday, August 22, 2022, at 9:30am. A Catholic Mass will follow at 12:00pm at St. Bernard church. The burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery at 1:00pm. Arrangements have been entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Home of Keene, NH.
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