Joanne R. Littlefield

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Joanne Ruth Stormann Littlefield

PARIS — Joanne Ruth Stormann Littlefield, 79, of Paris, gracefully passed away on February 12, 2013 at Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway after a lengthy illness. She was lovingly surrounded by her children, grandchildren and dear friends as she finally found eternal peace. She was born in Stillwater on January 12, 1934, the daughter of Linwood (Red) and Madeline Stormann.

She was a lifelong animal lover; she was always nurturing a collection of pets, especially her beloved horse “Paint.” In high school, she was an avid softball player, enjoying four years on the varsity team and rightly earning the title of “Slugger Stormann.” After graduating from Old Town High School, she worked at the University of Maine at Orono in the Agricultural Department, where she met and married her life partner and best friend, Robert (Bob) Littlefield on March 6, 1955. The next 11 years were spent in Monmouth and were busy times; her husband was teaching high school and she was doing what she loved best, raising four active children, tending the gardens and looking after the animals.

In 1966, Oxford Hills became their permanent home and Mrs. Littlefield, never one to sit still for very long, kept busy both working and volunteering in her children’s activities. She became the Assistant Postmistress at the Paris Hill Post Office, was active in the PTA, and loved to be called upon to help count votes at any elections held in South Paris. For a short time, she truly enjoyed helping a friend run a preschool on Paris Hill, which resulted in many fun stories and adventures to share at the dinner table.

Later on, she followed in her parent’s footsteps and helped build a small greenhouse on Paris Hill, cultivating beautiful gardens which drew many loyal customers. Eventually in 1975, the need to expand prompted the creation of a very successful greenhouse and florist business of which she was the proprietor for the next 10 years; it is still being run today as Littlefield Greenhouses, Inc. Upon the sale of the greenhouses in 1985, she briefly considered the idea of slowing down but instead decided to begin building terraced perennial gardens around their home, complete with a man-made stream, waterfall and pond. It was also during this time she and her husband would look forward to taking their camper and staying at the Fryeburg Fair for two weeks each year, working in the livestock camping office. She also decided it would be fun to volunteer as a co-leader for a Brownie Girl Scout Troop for three years.

During these years, her energy and love of life and (nine) grandchildren was limitless. “Grammie Jo” loved for her grandkids to join her in any adventure, including camping, fishing, digging in her gardens, making pickles, gem hunting, looking for antiques and treasures at yard sales, watching scary movies on sleepovers. She loved a good bonfire and just sitting around and telling stories and laughing until everyone cried. She had an amazing sense of humor and was a quiet instigator of mischief with that special twinkle in her eye. As much as she liked to stay out of the spotlight, this beautiful, selfless woman who was mother, grandmother and best friend, was a shining star and she will be deeply loved and missed every day.

During her last 10 years, Mrs. Littlefield proved herself to be a "silent champion" as she became a caregiver for her beloved husband. With deep devotion, she gave generously and tirelessly to make him comfortable at home with their loyal dog Jake always by her side. Mr. Littlefield lost his battle with Alzheimer’s disease on Thanksgiving Day a few months ago. Knowing they were reunited in time for Valentine's Day brings peace to all her family.

Mrs. Littlefield is survived by her four children, John Littlefield and fiancé Gretel Taska of Dayton, Nancy Michaud and husband Ed of Norway, Stuart Littlefield and wife Janelle of Oxford and Karen Kriger and husband Sam of Norway; her grandchildren, Megan Littlefield Estes and husband Chris, Tyler Littlefield and partner Beth Reynolds, Kate Michaud, Pvt. Nick Michaud, Matt Michaud, Madeline Littlefield, Jackson Littlefield, Lindsey Kriger, Shannon Kriger and Gracie Kilpatrick; her dear brother, Ralph Stormann and partner William Anderson; brother-in-law, Donald Littlefield; niece, Donna Littlefield and daughter Cara; nephews, Glenn and Eric Littlefield; special cousin, Mary Ellen O’Connor and dear friend, Liz Schmidt. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert Littlefield; her parents, Linwood and Madeline Stormann; a baby brother, David; a daughter-in-law, Barbara Littlefield and a sister-in-law, Carol Littlefield.

At this time family and friends are invited to an open house on Saturday, February 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the home of Nancy and Ed Michaud, 466 Crockett Ridge Rd., Norway. This gathering is intended to celebrate the lives of both Mr. and Mrs. Littlefield in an informal setting that they both would have loved. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the (renamed) “Robert and Joanne Littlefield Memorial Scholarship,” c/o Androscoggin Bank, 170 Main Street, South Paris, ME 04281. Arrangements are under the direction of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 45 Main St., South Paris. Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.