Paulette D. “Betsy” Joki, 60, of Litchfield, NH, passed away Thursday May 10, 2018, in Elliot Hospital, Manchester, NH after a year and a half battle with ALS. Paulette, better known to family and friends as Betsy, was born in Newburyport, MA on July 21, 1957, a daughter of the late Paul and Pauline (Stanley) Colbath.
After the death of her parents at the age of four her siblings were fostered out to different homes. Betsy was taken in by the Rev. Ronald Prinn and his wife Barbara and spent most of her childhood in Lyndonville, VT. She was a 1975 graduate of Niles McKinley High School in Niles, OH where she was living with her sister Pam.
Betsy went on to further her education when she moved to NH and graduated in 1980 with an Associated degree in secretarial science from NH Vocational Tech. College. She soon after moved to Nashua, NH and acquired an office job at Nashua Glass where she met her future husband, David Joki. They married in August 26, 1984 and were together for 33 years up until her death. Betsy worked in the health care field as a CNA for over 25 years at several nursing homes with the final 19 years at Presentation of Mary Academy in Hudson.
Betsy was a warm, vivacious, compassionate individual with a great sense of humor. Her main hobby was her interest in the creation of greeting cards for all occasions. She became quite proficient when it came to assorted designs and techniques. Her work was so admired that on special occasions she was payed to create customized designs for family and friends. One of Betsy's favorite pastimes was swimming. She spent many days in the pool and even with her deteriorating health she refused to give up her passion.
She is survived by her husband, David Joki; sisters, Paula D. Graves and Pamela D. Friend and husband Bill; four brothers, Paul (Bob) Colbath and wife Linda, Peter D. Colbath and wife Barbara, Philip D. Colbath and Preston D. Colbath; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Betsy is also survived by members of her foster family who loved her dearly: Barbara Prinn, wife of the late Ronald Prinn, Douglas Prinn and wife Kirsten, Steve Prinn and wife Jan, Andy Prinn and Betsy’s closest sister and confidant, Margaret (Prinn)Bonner and husband Roger Bonner.
Calling hours were held on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 from 3 pm to 6 pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry, NH. Memorial contributions may be made to The ALS Association Gift Processing Center PO Box 37022 Boone, IA 50037-0022. To send a condolence or for more information, please visit, www.peabodyfuneralhome.com