Joan Haines

Joan Haines, 63 passed away May 25, 2025 at the Aroostook House of Comfort in Presque Isle. She was born in Caribou, March 8, 1962 the daughter of Leonel and Fern (Dubay) Plourde.

Joan may have been the youngest in the family, but she had the biggest personality. Even as a child, her deep love for animals was clear—strays often found their way into the family home because of her tender heart. Summers were spent camping, where her outgoing nature made it easy for her to form fast friendships. Joan had an unstoppable determination when it came to reaching her goals. Once she set her mind to something, there was no turning back—a trait that defined her spirit and fueled her courageous battle with illness to the very end.

After raising her children and seeing them off to school, Joan pursued her lifelong passion for helping others through medicine. She began her career after earning her nursing degree, working at Cary Medical Center and with Visiting Nurses. Driven to continue her education, she earned a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialty as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). She went on to serve patients at TAMC Walk-In Clinic and Katahdin Valley Health before transitioning into education, where she began teaching at NMCC and inspiring countless nursing students. During her nursing career, she also worked at the Aroostook House of Comfort for many years—a place she loved deeply and where her compassion touched many lives. Eventually, Joan found her true calling at the VA—a role she cherished deeply.

Joan was highly regarded by her colleagues and adored by her patients and students. Known for her vast knowledge and unwavering standards, she shaped the future of nursing through both example and education. Her dedication and compassion left a lasting legacy in every life she touched.

Her generous spirit extended far beyond her professional life. Joan was always the first to offer help—without being asked—and did so with a warm, open heart. No one ever felt like a burden in her presence. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures: watching sunflowers bloom, caring for and gazing out the window to watch the horses, selecting and gathering every rock to form the fireplace in the home she and Scott built together. Their home was a reflection of love, dreams, and commitment.

Joan’s work ethic was tireless, and her love for her family knew no boundaries. Family was the center of her world. She adored her children and grandchildren, teaching them strength, resilience, and kindness. Her grandchildren cherished “Gigi’s” sarcasm and her playful way of showing love—it didn’t need to be said; it was felt. Some of her happiest moments were spent with family on annual beach trips, watching them build their own homes, and traveling with Scott to the Fryeburg Fair—where, unsurprisingly, she formed lasting friendships.

Wherever Joan went, she made friends. Her bold personality and sharp sense of humor drew people in. She was honest—sometimes brutally so—but always from a place of love. Her loyalty was unmatched. Joan was the kind of friend who would drop everything to support you, protect you, or simply make you laugh when you needed it most.

In her final days, as family and close friends came to say goodbye, they shared stories of how she had helped them, made them laugh, taken care of them, and left a mark on their lives. Their words were a testament to the deep and lasting impact she had on others.

Joan’s fierce love, unwavering support, and unmistakable laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew her. The time shared and the memories created with her will live on in the hearts of those she taught, cared for, and loved.

Surviving in addition to her Mother of Saco is her significant other Scott Clark of Wade, son Daniel Haines of Caribou, daughter Heather Sylvia of Chapman, brother Bob Plourde of Caribou, sisters Jean Lantang of Eliot, & Judy Benway of York, grandchildren Kayden Haines, Averi and Wyatt Sylvia, many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her father. In some of her toughest days Joan had the support of many families and friends, but a special heartfelt thank you goes out to Ginnie Williams, Jane McCall, Ashley King, Penny Miller and Margie Snell.

Friends are invited to visit with the family on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at the Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou, from 6PM – 8PM.

Friends who wish to contribute to Joan's legacy may do so by donation to Aroostook House of Comfort.