Mercer ME- After a lifetime of caring for others and their precious pets, JoAnn R. Poole passed away April 10th, 2022, surrounded by her family and their beloved dogs. JoAnn's final days were spent lovingly cared for by her daughter Laney and grandsons Casey and Jesse in Mercer, just a mile from the family camp built by her parents in 1963. The daughter of Walter L. Rowell and Mabel L. Rowell, JoAnn was born in Melrose, Massachusetts March 10, 1931. She lived in Reading, Massachusetts and graduated from Fisher Junior College in Boston with a degree in X-Ray Technology. JoAnn was widowed (Laurence B. Poole) at the age of 32 and raised her four children, Page, Leslie, Dana, and Elaine ("Laney") on the property of Russell Animal Hospital in Concord, NH, where she was a dedicated employee for over 40 years. She helped generations of pets and their owners and held a lifelong love for her co-workers and their families. During her retirement, she served for years as the Executive Director of the New Hampshire Veterinary Medical Association. She was well-known for her delectable cooking and for having space at holiday tables for those who could not be with their families. She was a lover of nature and spent her time enjoying the woods of New Hampshire, the beaches of Cape Cod, and North Pond in Mercer, Maine. JoAnn will be missed for her deep love of family, friends, animals, and nature. She leaves her children and their families, including seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, nieces and a nephew, and many friends, all whom she loved dearly. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to her wonderful caregivers at Beacon Hospice Services, 5 Community Drive, Suite A, Augusta, Maine, or a charity of your choice. A celebration of Life Ceremony will be held soon. Please visit www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com to share your memories and condolences with JoAnn's family.