Joan Elizabeth Mahar, 84, of Chester, NH passed away at her residence on Wednesday April 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Joan was born in Calais, ME on November 30, 1941, a daughter of the late Arnold and Hazel (Peed) Young. She had resided in Chester for the last few years, formerly living in Calais, ME.
Joan lived most of her life in Calais. She loved music, gardening, and she loved to sew, make quilts / clothes and knit, you could always find her working on a project. She went to school in Brewer, ME for Cosmetology, drove Taxi for Wilson’s and worked many years cleaning rooms at the Motor Inn and the Portside Inn; In the winter she made wreaths for Mingo’s. She spent the last six years in NH with her daughter and family, making cherished friends and memories, but her heart belonged to Maine. She was always excited to visit in the summers to see her family and catch up. Joan was a member of the sewing guild of America and the Calais First Congregational church.
She is survived by one son, Brian Doten of Calais, ME, one daughter, Michelle (Doten) Nicolaisen and her husband Eric of Chester, NH, her stepson’s, Steven Mahar and family and Micheal Mahar and family. Two grandchildren, Brian Doten, Jr. and his partner Jaimie Nicholas of Perry, ME, and Brandon Nicolaisen of Manchester, NH, and his partner Cassi Johnston, one great-granddaughter, Arya Nicholas-Doten of Perry, ME, and her honorary great grandson Mateo Pinet of Manchester, NH. Two brothers, Stanley Young and Edward Young, both of Calais, ME, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Victor Mahar, and her sister, Lila (Young) Tracy.
Following cremation, memorial services and burial will take place in Calais, ME during the summer of 2026. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium of Derry and Londonderry are assisting the family with arrangements.