Joan Louise Patten, 96, of Troy New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026, at Genesis HealthCare, surrounded by the love of her family and the caring staff.

Joan was born on February 4, 1930, in New London, Connecticut, to William and Marguerite (Blank) Eichhorn. She graduated from Haverhill Academy in Haverhill, New Hampshire, and went on to attend Burdett College in Boston, Massachusetts, where she earned her associate’s degree in business.

On May 27, 1950, Joan married her beloved husband, Carl H. Patten Sr., in Pike, New Hampshire. Together, they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2007. Joan devoted herself to her family, spending the early years of their marriage as a loving stay-at-home mother. Later, she returned to the workforce and worked as the executive secretary for Hallmark.

Joan found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved to read, cook—especially her famous baked beans—travel, shop, and play cribbage. She was a member of the Extension Club and treasured the friendships and connections she made throughout her life. Her dogs held a particularly special place in her heart and were, as Joan would say, beloved members of her family.

Joan is survived by her three children, Karen Parsells and her husband Frederick of Keene, Kathy and her husband Herb Frink of Surry, and Carl H. Patten Jr. of Troy; her sister, Shirley Hall of Pike; and her grandchildren, Carol Deeney, Carl Patten III, Brienne Cioffi, Brittny Parsells-Johnson, Eric Frink, and Adam Frink and 10 great grandchildren. She also leaves behind many cherished memories that will remain with all who knew and loved her.

Joan’s life was one of devotion to her family, her friends, and the many people and animals she cared for so deeply. She will be remembered for the warmth she brought to those around her, the traditions she created, and the love she gave so freely.

A burial service will take place on Thursday, October 8th, 2026, 12:00pm at Horse Meadow Cemetery in Haverhill, New Hampshire. Family and friends are warmly welcomed to attend and join in remembering and celebrating Joan’s life. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s memory may be made to the Monadnock Humane Society or Kilham Bear Center. PO Box 37, Lyme, NH 03768, donations close to her heart.