Joan R. (Houbre) Peckham, 69, of New Bedford died Monday June 20, 2005 at home surounded by her family. She was the wife of Waldo W. Peckham, Jr.; they were married for 49 years.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of Rose J. (Marinelli) Houbre of Dartmouth and the late Emile J. B. Houbre, she lived in New Bedford all of her life.
She was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church.
Mrs. Peckham was formerly employed by Lincoln's Department Store, Kresge's Five and Ten, H & R Block, and Clearwater Pools until her retirement.
She was a graduate of New Bedford High School, Class of 1954. She was a member of the YWCA from 1950 to 1959; a member of the Artisan's Booster Club of Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational-Technical High School from 1972 to 1986, serving as president for two years; and a member of the Low Tide Yacht Club since 1979.
She enjoyed swimming, dancing, gardening, and card playing. Most important to her was spending time with her family and friends.
Survivors include her husband; her mother; three sons, Robert J. Peckham, and his wife Karen, of Dartmouth, James E. Peckham and Jeffrey S. Peckham, and his wife Yvonne, all of New Bedford; two daughters Jennifer M. Kursten, and her husband Henri, of New York; and Mary Peckham, and her fiancé Christopher Childs, of New Bedford; two brothers, Charles E. Houbre, and his wife Jeanette, and Lawrence R. Houbre, and his wife Florence, all of Dartmouth; two grandchildren, Katie Peckham and Kellie Peckham; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford Thursday June 23, 2005 at 9 AM. Funeral Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Interment St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Southcoast Homecare Hospice, 200 Mill Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719 or to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.