JOANNE M. HIBBARD
RIPLEY- Joanne M. Hibbard, 55, died September 22, 2009 at a Pittsfield hospital, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Dexter, Sept 11, 1954, daughter of Douglas and Theresa (Genest) Gilbert.

Joanne graduated from Dexter Regional High School class of 1972 and received her BS in education from University of Maine in Farmington class of 1976.

She was highly regarded as a very dedicated teacher in the Dexter school system, where she has taught for the past 33 years. Joanne was active with the Dexter Firefighters Association and helped to operate the antique hand pumper in the local parades. She was also very active in community affairs, helping with local charities.

She is survived by her husband, Everett L. Hibbard of Ripley; her parents of Dexter; a daughter, Alyson deWildt and her husband, Kevin of Stetson, and their children, Lilly and Nick; a sister, Linda Reardon and her husband, Bill of Orrington, and their children, Lance, Seth, Ryan and Kirby, and their families. She will also be remembered by many close and special friends.

Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM, Friday, September 25, 2009, at Crosby & Neal, 61 Main Street in Dexter. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 AM, Saturday, at Dexter Regional High School, with the Rev. Fr. Mark Nolan officiating. Burial will be in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Dexter.

Joanne requested that flowers be omitted. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to her favorite charities which include, Dexter Primary School Library, Dexter Firefighter's Assn., or to the Tyler Wintle Scholarship Fund c/o Bangor Savings Bank, P.O. Box 308, Dexter, ME 04930.

Joanne also requested that family and friends wear casual clothes, jeans, and t-shirts are accepted.

For an online guest register, go to www.CrosbyNeal.com.