Joan Lyman

York -Joan Dalrymple Lyman passed away just short of her 95 ^th birthday at Harmony Homes by the Bay, Durham, N.H., after four years at Cornerstone at Hampton compass memory care. She enjoyed a long life, surrounded by a large, loving family, meaningful friendships, and a successful career as an interior designer.

She was born in Minneapolis Minnesota to William Ferguson Dalrymple and Evelyn Betts Chittendon Dalrymple.  Her first marriage to Eugene Ross Hanson produced three daughters, Kitsy (Art Abbott, rip), Lynn, and Cynthia, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. In her second marriage to William Wells Lyman, she warmly welcomed his six children, Cheryl, Steve (Ilene), Phil, Susan (Ken), Donna, and Patricia (Kurt), and their children and grandchildren.

Joan was a charming, vivacious woman who loved life. She will be remembered for her endless energy, enthusiasm, and individuality! She attended Northrup Collegiate Institute in Minneapolis, and graduated from Pine Manor Junior College and the Chamberlain School of retailing in Boston, Mass. After many years as a homemaker, she earned a degree in interior design and established her own company, Decorative Arts Enterprises. She earned praise and awards for her creative ability to blend antiques with contemporary furnishings. In Michigan, Joan was active in The Junior League, helping to establish the volunteer nursing program at William Beaumont Hospital, and The Michigan Cancer Society. She was instrumental in creating the Birmingham/Bloomfield Teen Center, a non-profit venue, providing teens with a positive environment outside of school. In Portsmouth, N.H., she served on the board of Strawberry Banke, and the Piscataqua Garden Club, where she won many awards for her floral designs. Joan was also a member of the Unitarian Church.

At Joan’s request, her memorial service will be private, at her families lodge in Brule, Wisconsin, the place she loved most.

The family sends a special thank you to Unity Hospice and the staff at Harmony Homes by the Bay for bringing her much joy and comfort in the last months of her life.

If anyone wishes to make a donation in her memory, please consider Strawberry Banke Museum, The Brule River Preservation organization or any organization supporting the arts or nature.