Joyce Irene (Baumgarten) Thomas

Joyce Irene Thomas – Salem, NH

It is with heavy hearts and profound love that we announce the passing of our beloved Joyce Irene Thomas, who departed this world peacefully on June 26, 2026, after a courageous battle with dementia. Joyce was surrounded by her family, who cherished her deeply. Born on July 5, 1934, in Lynn, Massachusetts, Joyce was the daughter of Bernard and Evelyn Baumgarten. Her life was a testament to love, resilience, and kindness, qualities that she shared with all those around her.

Joyce was a devoted wife to her late husband, Deane Arnold Thomas, whom she married on March 3, 1957. Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter until Deane’s passing in 1991. Joyce was also predeceased by her cherished younger sister, Bernardine Martinez, and her beloved grandson, Jared Thomas. Yet, her legacy lives on through her surviving family: Glenn and Karen (Hathaway) Thomas of Slinger, Wisconsin, Doug and Rhonda (Thomas) Hanson of Salem, New Hampshire, Kevin and Kellie (Towne) Thomas of Atkinson, New Hampshire, and Christopher and Elizabeth (Bailey) Thomas of Atkinson, New Hampshire.

Joyce was affectionately known as "Nana" to her adoring grandchildren: Justin, Erin, Greyson, and Jackson Thomas; Nathan Thomas; Sean, Laura (Thomas), Logan Prostek; Brianna, Stephanie, Noella, Semaj Hanson; Gabriel DeGennaro; Nick Hanson; Kathryn and Molly Thomas; and Garrett Thomas. Her love extended to each of them, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts and lives.

A proud alumnus of Lynn English High School and Burdett Business College, Joyce dedicated her career to nurturing young minds as an Elementary Librarian for the Salem New Hampshire School District. Her passion for reading was infectious, and she inspired countless students and grandchildren to find solace and joy within the pages of a book.

Joyce was a pillar of her community, actively participating in the Marsh Corner Community Church in Methuen, MA. Her involvement in the Woman's Bible Study, church library organization, and small group gatherings provided her with joy and fellowship. After the passing of her beloved Deane, Joyce found solace and friendship in the Widow and Widower group, where her warmth and compassion were a beacon of hope to many.

Her life was marked by her boundless generosity and unwavering faith. Joyce spent countless hours volunteering and supporting causes dear to her heart, such as the Pregnancy Care Center in Lawrence and Operation Christmas Child to name a few. Her selfless acts of kindness and her unwavering belief in helping those less fortunate will forever be remembered.

Joyce's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the friends and caregivers who supported her during her illness, particularly Brookhaven Hospice and Pleasant Valley Nursing and Rehab Center. Their care and love became an integral part of our family, and we are eternally grateful.

A service to celebrate Joyce’s life will be held on July 9, 2026, from 9:00 – 11:00 AM at the Goundrey Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Salem, NH 03079. Burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Salem, NH.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Joyce's memory to Community Crossroads, a cause close to her heart. Donations can be made through their website at https://communitycrossroadsnh.org

Joyce Thomas was a beacon of love and kindness in this world. Her legacy will endure in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. As we say our goodbyes, we remember her not with sadness, but with gratitude for the love and light she brought into our lives. Rest easy, Mom.  You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Please visit www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com for directions, or to sign the online guest book.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joyce Irene (Baumgarten) Thomas, please visit our floral store.