Hanover, NH - M. Joan Grant Garipay passed away peacefully January 11, 2025, in Chicago, IL, in the care of her daughters, Kathy and Karen.

Joan was born in 1936 to the late Alan and Evelyn Grant; in the house that her 4th great grandfather built, in Lyme, N.H. She met her husband, Charles (Charlie) Garipay, while attending Hanover High. They married in 1954 after Joan graduated from high school. After having four children, Joan received her bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Plymouth State. Her career in education would span almost 40 years. Joan's love for teaching led her to the city of Lebanon where she started as a Kindergarten teacher, then became the Director of Follow Through, while finishing her career as a Principal in Plainfield. In 1989, Joan was selected Principal of The Year for NH; and was recognized at a ceremony at the White House. After retiring, Joan still found time to mentor young teachers and was involved in the local United Way. She also served on the Hanover Planning Board, was the president of Granite Acres at Goose Pond, and was a member of the "Over the Hill" ski group at the Dartmouth Skiway.

Joan is fondly remembered by the neighborhood kids for her delicious cookies. All the local kids would stop by on their walk home from school and grab a cookie. Joan always had a warm smile for all. One of her greatest joys was having her grandchildren spend summers at Goose Pond with her and Charlie.

Joan is survived by her children: Chuck (Jill), Pam (Bob), Kathy (Mike), and Karen (Ricky), her sister Elizabeth Grant Ezekiel, and brother-in-law Danny Garipay (Thommy). She is also survived by her 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. There will be a funeral service for family and friends at Rand-Wilson Funeral Home on February 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. In honor of Joan, the bells of Baker Tower will ring out, Amazing Grace, at 10:01 a.m. and 2:01 p.m. on February 6, 2025.