Joann Groder
1936-2024
BUXTON- Joann Lillian Groder passed peacefully from this world on October 2, 2024, at her
daughter’s home in Buxton, surrounded by family.
Joann was born on Skip Road in Buxton in 1936, the youngest daughter of Joel and
Edith Bradeen. She was a lifelong resident of Buxton and spent most of her working life
there as well. She was a bus driver for SAD 6 for 14 years, a volunteer driver for Buxton
Fire and Rescue, and later spent 10 plus years as a dispatcher for Buxton, retiring in
1996.
Joann followed her mother’s lead as a member of the Pythian Sisters Narragansett
Temple #111, an organization based in Buxton Center, rising to Most Excellent Chief.
Among their many charitable activities, the Pythian sisters provided a free Thanksgiving
meal to those in need every year. In retirement, when Hannaford opened a grocery
store in Buxton, Joann sought another way to help people by committing to pick up
leftover food from Hannaford every day of the week and founded, along with Jean
Harmon, the Buxton Community Food Co-op. The Co-op started at the former Pythian
Sisters’ Hall in 2007 and moved for a while to a room at Joann’s farm, where cars would
line the street outside her home. In 2014 the Co-op partnered with Good Shepherd
Food Bank and moved to its current location in Buxton Center. By then there was a
dedicated group of volunteers, including her daughters Cathy Jo and Debbie. Everyone
in need was welcome at the Co-op, without question, and by the time Joann retired from
running it in 2023, the Co-op was serving over 130 families from the Buxton area and
beyond. In addition to everyday needs, the Co-op provided every family with complete
Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.
In 2023, The Buxton Selectmen honored Joann by dedicating the Annual Town Report
to her, in recognition of her lifelong service to the town. Also in 2023, she was chosen as
the Grand Marshall of the Buxton Community Parade, and greatly enjoyed that ride in
the yellow convertible!
Joann enjoyed traveling with her late husband Leo, “wheeling and dealing” at yard
sales, playing Bingo (especially at the Fryeburg Fair), going to the casinos, holding card
games, and entertaining her family. She maintained a tradition of hosting her
grandchildren, and later her great grandchildren, overnight on the night before
Christmas Eve, where they helped her make food and goodies for her Christmas Eve
gatherings. She also loved hosting the family every summer for the Fourth of July. She
was particularly proud of the work the Co-op did and told a touching story of a woman
who, during one holiday season, donated a large number of turkeys from her business,
saying she had never forgotten how kind and helpful Joann had been when she was a
young mother in need.
Joann was predeceased by her parents as well as her sisters Harriet Burgess and
Ronelda Waterman. In 2014 her husband of many years, and the love of her life Leo B.
Groder passed away. She is survived by her 5 children, Edwin (and Chris) Brown of
Gorham, Debra (and Don) Thombs of Buxton, Cathy Jo (and Russell) Brackett of Hollis,
Joel (and Denise) Brown of Limington, and Cindy (and Keith) Gorham of Buxton, with
whom she lived for her last three years. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 17
great grandchildren and one great-great grandson, as well as several nieces and
nephews and many dear friends.
At her request there will be no services. A gathering for family and friends will be held at
a later date.
Those who knew her best will miss her strong will, love for family and her heart for those
in need. Forever loved, never forgotten: our Ma, Mom, Aunt Jo, Grammy Groder, GG.
In her later years Joann enjoyed the company of friends at the Buxton United Methodist
Church. The family would like to thank Pastor Lynn Briggs and ask that any donations in
Joann’s memory be made to the church at the following address:
Pastor Lynn Briggs - Buxton United Methodist Church
276 Chicopee Rd.
Buxton, Maine 04093
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com