Joan Dunn

Joan Dunn, 83, of Amherst, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully after a short illness on March 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Joan was born on December 7, 1942, in Brooklyn, NY, to Samuel and Edna Meisler. She attended Martin Van Buren High School in Queens, NY

Early in her career, Joan worked as a secretary at Kollsman Instrument Corp., Queens, NY, where she proudly received an award for her exceptional shorthand skills. Her greatest joy came when she became a mother, she chose to devote herself fully to her home and family — a role she embraced with love, pride, and unwavering dedication.

Joan was a longtime member of the Congregational Church in Amherst, NH, Eastern Star Puritan Chapter No. 29, and an active member of the local Red Hat Society. She had a gift for finding joy in the simple things — whether it was discovering a great bargain at a yard sale, baking something delicious in the kitchen (with plenty of butter and Hellman’s mayonnaise nearby), or sharing coffee and laughter with those she loved.

She was known for her warm hugs, quick wit, and the kind of humor that made everyone feel at ease. Joan loved dancing, sewing, cooking, and puzzles, and she carried a lighthearted perspective on life, often reminding others, “There’s never a mistake when cooking — it’s just a new recipe.”

Above all, Joan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was the center of her world, and she created a home filled with warmth, comfort, and unconditional love.

She was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Denise Dunn of Amherst, NH, and her brother, Robert Meisler of Memphis, TN.

Joan is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, William Dunn III of Amherst, NH; a brother, Benjamin Meisler and his wife, Linda, of Memphis, TN. Her children, Deanna Cordts and her husband Jeffrey of Amherst, NH and William Dunn IV and his wife Rebecca of Nelson, NH.

She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Brittany Persaud (her husband Danny) of Tampa, Florida, Lauren Todd (her husband Matt)of Amherst, NH, Taylor Rodgers (her husband Tyler) of Lyndeborough, NH, Seth Cordts (his girlfriend Syndey Jones) of Oakland, CA, and William Dunn V (a.k.a. Liam) and Lucas Dunn of Nelson, NH. Her legacy continues through her adored great-grandchildren: Danika, Dax, and Dashel Persaud of Tampa, FL; Lina, Parker, and Spencer Todd of Amherst, NH; and Tatum and Teagan Rodgers of Lyndeborough, NH.She also leaves a niece, Stacey Diller from Nashville, TN and 2 nephews, Michael Dunn of Smithtown, NY and James Dunn of Lutz, FL.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 29, from 3:00–6:00 PM at Smith & Heald Funeral Home in Milford, NH. A funeral service will take place on Monday, March 30, at 11:00 AM at Messiah Lutheran Church in Amherst, NH. A private burial will be held at a later date.

In honor of Joan’s vibrant spirit — and her well-known dislike of the color black — guests are encouraged to wear anything but black.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Denise Dunn Scholarship Fund. c/o Deanna Cordts, 21 Blueberry Hill Rd., Amherst, NH 03031

Joan’s kindness, humor, and deep love for her family will be remembered always — in every shared recipe, every warm embrace, and every moment of laughter she inspired.