Joan Marie Bixby Cormier, age 82, of Ocala, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 12 at Cate’s Hospice Hospital. Born on September 28,1943, in Bellows Falls, Vermont, Joan was the daughter of Joseph Thomas Bixby and Anita Rose (Shedarovich) Bixby. She grew up and attended elementary school in North Walpole, New Hampshire, was a proud graduate of Bellows Falls High School, Class of 1961, and went on to earn her undergraduate degree from the University of New Hampshire in 1965. She continued her studies at the University of Minnesota where she obtained her graduate degree as a registered dietitian in 1967 and completed her internship in Minneapolis in 1970.

Joan’s life was defined by service, dedication, and compassion. A proud United States Air Force Veteran, she served for nine years as a Certified Clinical Dietitian, working at Air Force hospitals including Homestead Air Force Base in Miami-Dade County, Florida, and Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska. Later, she continued her career with the Veterans Administration , where she held leadership roles as Chief Clinical Dietitian Manager in Omaha, Nebraska; Des Moines, Iowa; Hampton, Virginia; and retiring from Togus Hospital in Augusta, Maine. Her work was both professional and profoundly personal. Joan was devoted to providing specialized nutritional support and care, including working closely with paraplegic veterans and those recovering from severe injuries. She was known for bringing empathy, expertise, and encouragement to every patient she served.

Joan met her second husband, Bob Cormier at a local Dunkin’ Donuts in Augusta, Maine, a meeting that blossomed into a deep and joyful companionship. They married in 2006 in North Walpole, New Hampshire, and shared 15 wonderful years together before Bob’s passing in 2022. Together, Joan and Bob lived a life full of love, laughter, and service. They delighted in traveling from Paris and London to the Dominican Republic and enjoyed local RV camping adventures. A favorite pastime was dressing as clowns to visit local VA hospitals, bringing smiles and comfort to fellow veterans.

Joan and Bob were active members of their community participating in the VFW, American Legion and numerous Palm Cay events. They were well known for their bright yellow golf cart and for​ bringing joy wherever they went. They spent winters in Ocala and summers in Joan’s hometown of North Walpole. Joan and Bob were also proud season ticket holders at the Orange Blossom Opry, where Joan’s lively spirit, her singing, dancing, and ability to make friends with anyone was always on full display.

Faith was a central part of Joan’s life. A devoted Catholic, she reconnected with her birth daughter through Catholic Services in 1999 and met her in person in 2014. Her daughter, Diya-Rose was
named in honor of both grandmothers. Joan cherished discovering she had five grandchildren and was proud of their varied achievements.

Joan is survived by her birth daughter, Diya-Rose, her loving sister, Joyce (and John) McDevitt and beloved Aunt of their three children and seven grandchildren.

Joan’s care extended deeply to her family, her patients, and her friends. She was a source of constant encouragement, especially to those facing challenges; always offering her time, humor, and
compassion. In June, Joan will be laid to rest with veteran honors at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Augusta. Her legacy is one of faith, service, and joy; a life dedicated to caring for
others, celebrating each day, and spreading kindness wherever she went.