BRIDPORT — Joan P. Myrick was born to Edward and Anna Parot April 19, 1931. She grew up first in South Hero and then Shoreham, Vt., with siblings Irving, Fred, Howard, Armand, Lincoln, Gladys, Madeline and Brenda, all of whom predeceased her. Joan passed on Nov. 24, 2021, in her new home at the Residence at Otter Creek in Middlebury with her loving husband Tom by her side.

She graduated from Shoreham High School as one of the admired basketball players and was athletic and fit her entire life. Joan enjoyed snowshoeing, loved gardening and had beautiful flowers indoors and out, used to sew beautiful clothing for others, always enjoyed her daily walk despite the weather, and more recently her Bones classes and cherished time with friends and family.

Joan was employed by Van Raalte Company as a seamstress prior to marrying Tom. At that time, she chose to become a full-time homemaker. In later years she extended her meticulous housekeeping skills to serve others —  Win and Alice Dibble and Rick and Martha Lapham — then ultimately revealed her creative skills by finishing gold leafing and accentuating frames and mats, cut by Tom at the Lapham Gallery in Shoreham.

Joan is survived by her husband of 71 years, Tom Myrick. She will be missed by him most of all. They enjoyed many years in their Bridport home and shared everything from yard work, cutting wood, apple and strawberry picking, to outings with friends, local meals, and traveling the country to visit family and friends.

Joan is also survived by her only child Deb, who she loved deeply — exemplified by the many overnights with cousins and friends, boardgames covering the dining room table for days at a time, the homemade soup and bread in the kitchen, and the many outfits and beautiful pillows she sewed for her. Deb’s husband Dick Haverlick was so special to her heart. He could initiate a genuine smile or laugh. She enjoyed him immensely.

First grandchild Iva Ford has been adored and respected forever. Joan spent countless hours and an abundance of patience teaching Iva to sew, garden, and to make homemade bread in her carpeted kitchen (very brave). First, of course, Joan would tackle Iva’s gnarled hair, brushing and pulling it back into a neat ponytail. Iva’s husband Matthew has been an amazing addition to her wellbeing and his outwardly gruff demeanor couldn’t stop Joan from planting the unexpected kiss on him. She knew it was his way of fooling and loved to make him grimace by giving him a big hug.

Grandson Isaac Haverlick was welcomed with warm, loving arms many years later. Joan enjoyed much time with him on the swing set and near the kiddie pool when he was young, making him silver dollar pancakes and playing many games of bumper pool in their basement. She was very proud of him and all of his accomplishments. He brought her great joy. Joan also loved his partner Leslie Lemire — she was so glad they found each other and enjoyed Leslie’s laughter.

Her great-granddaughter Reagan Menard was also most treasured. She spent many hours watching her grow from a baby to the wonderful women she is today. The ray of sunlight Reagan brought helped to keep her young.

Joan is also survived by June Parot Flanagan: Married first to Joan’s brother Armand, she is the sister-in-law who has always been a sister. They spent years together sharing celebrations as well as tragedies — many hours with Armand and then later with June’s second husband Art Flanagan, now deceased.

Joan leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends — too many to count — all of whom loved her and will miss her.

As per Joan’s wishes there will be no services at this time. Tom chose a beautiful double urn for her ashes, which will reside in their home until he passes, at which time he will be joined with her for a burial at the Shoreham Cemetery. We will be having a celebration of her life in the future when COVID allows.

The family wishes to thank those who were intrinsic in helping Joan’s final days to be as comfortable as possible: Jeff Abell for primary care that was above and beyond, the entire staff at Porter Hospital, Dr. Diana Barnard and all of the Palliative Care team, the wonderful staff at The Residence at Otter Creek, Hospice through Bayada, Father Yvon Royer, and the many friends and family who were there for anything needed. Also thanks to Sandersons/Ducharne for their guidance and support.

Condolences can be sent to Tom Myrick, 350 Lodge Road, Apt.103, Middlebury, VT 05753.◊