Joan Emerson

Joan L. Emerson, 95, a resident of the Maine Veterans Home in South Paris and formerly of Bridgton, died on Thursday, June 7, 2018 at Stephens Memorial Hospital.

The daughter of the Rev. Fergus Lea and Violet (Atkinson) Lea, she was born in Falmouth, Cornwall England on Nov. 14, 1922. She came to this country with her family in 1925.

A graduate of Wilton Academy in 1940 and Pelletier Beauty School in 1941, Joan practiced her hair stylist vocation in Farmington, Wilton and finally in Bridgton, where in 1942, she purchased and operated the El-Fa-Br Beauty Shop until her retirement in 1992.

Joan was a wonderful conversationalist, which played into her vocation as a hair stylist. Any conversation with her usually involved numerous questions and ended with her always knowing much more than the other person would know about her.  She was a curious and spiritual person and a lifelong learner.

Joan was very active in the community, as well as civic organizations including: member of The Order of The Eastern Star for 75 years and active in Rainbow Girls, Girl Scout leader, longtime member of the United Methodist Church, member of the Business and Professional Women of Bridgton, and member of the Bridgton Community Center. Joan also spent time on the board of both Landmark Human Resources and Good Neighbors.

She is predeceased by her husband, James F. Emerson, a WWII veteran, whom she married in 1950; her brother, Fergus Lea; and sister, Muriel Hartford.

Survivors include her sister, Elizabeth Keene, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their spouses and children.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 16 at the Bridgton Community Center, a space where Joan loved to spend time with her close community of friends eating, talking and laughing. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to either the Bridgton Community Center, 15 Depot Street, Bridgton, ME 04009 or the Bridgton United Method Church, 214 Main Street, Bridgton, ME 04009.

Arrangements are in the care of the Chandler Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 8 Elm Street, Bridgton. Words of condolence and tribute may be shared at www.chandlerfunerals.com