In Loving Memory of Joan C. (Scales) Shultz
Joan C. Shultz, neé Scales, left our world peacefully on December 30th, 2023, in her own home surrounded by family and an outpouring of love. A devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend, Joan's warmth and generosity touched the hearts of everyone she encountered.
Born on May 21st, 1936 in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, Joan's journey was defined by a generational commitment to family. Joan was a loving daughter to the late Catherine C. Sprague and the late Leo Scales and stepdaughter to the late Francis Sprague. Joan was also a proud sister to her brothers, the late Leo Scales, John Sprague, Francis Sprague, and the late Daniel Sprague, as well as her sisters Jean Bando and Margaret Hennigan.
She attended St. Francis De Sales middle school in Charlestown, Massachusetts and graduated from Charlestown High School. Joan worked as a secretary at First National Stores before embarking on the journey that would define her life.
On April 6th, 1958, Joan married her soulmate, James Shultz Sr., amidst the historic surroundings of Bunker Hill in Boston, Massachusetts. Following a period in Pennsylvania, Joan and James retraced their steps to New England, finding a permanent home in Nashua, New Hampshire. Their shared journey became a cherished tale of love, compassion, and community that touched the hearts of those who knew them.
Joan's deepest source of pride was her children: James, Bart, Kathryn, Jean, and Daniel. She committed herself wholeheartedly to their well-being, embracing a selfless dedication to love and care. Her home was a sanctuary built on a foundation that always placed family first. Joan maintained this dedication as she became a grandmother to fourteen grandchildren and to fifteen great-grandchildren, with two more little ones expected to join the family soon.
Beyond family, Joan's life was enriched by her passions that included knitting, crocheting, and traveling. She found joy at the ice hockey rink, where she passionately led the learn-to-skate program at Skate 3 in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts, for over 20 years.
Joan’s legacy of love and devotion lives on through her loving husband, James Shultz Sr., her adoring children, James Shultz, Bart Shultz and wife Marguerite, Kathryn (Shultz) Cotnoir and husband Raymond Cotnoir, Jean (Shultz) DiPietro and husband Joseph DiPietro, and Daniel Shultz and wife Lisa, her precious grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. The Shultz family extends heartfelt appreciation for the work done by the VNA of Manchester hospice care, who helped Joan transition beautifully during her final days.
In tribute to Joan's life, calling hours will take place on Thursday, January 4th from 9:00 to 10:30 am at J.N. Boufford & Sons in Manchester, NH. Following the calling hours, a Mass will be held at 11:00 am at St. Pius X Parish in Manchester. Subsequently, interment will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Manchester, NH. Your presence and support during these moments mean a great deal to the Shultz family. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider contributing to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, a cause that held a special place in Joan’s heart.
Joan's love for her family was profound and her legacy of warmth and compassion will continue to inspire. May she rest in eternal peace, knowing that the love she provided now echoes through all of those she touched. She will be greatly missed.
For more information and online guestbook please visit www.bouffordfuneralhome.com.