Joan Piane Fowler of Hanover, known to many as Posey, died in her home on July 25, 2023 at age 92. Born in Hanover in 1930 she was the daughter of Madeleine McCusker and John Michael Piane.

In her elementary years she attended Hanover schools before enrolling at St. Mary's-in-the-Mountains, now known as The White Mountain School in Bethlehem, N.H., and at Briarcliff Junior College. After graduation, Posey worked in advertising at Young and Rubicam in New York City and later at Children's Hospital in Boston. She cherished her time while living at The Barbizon Hotel for Women and fondly recounted walking from the top to bottom of Manhattan exploring all the city had to offer.

She returned to Hanover and married Richard Fowler, Dartmouth Class of '54, in December of that year. Together they raised their family of three daughters next to the home Posey grew up in. Posey and Dick took over the family business, the Dartmouth Cooperative Society, started by Posey's father in 1919. They expanded the business to include a college shop, men's clothing, and sporting goods store.

Posey cherished the relationships she made in her Hanover community and was dedicated to making a marked difference on the lives of those around her. An avid reader, Posey was an active member of the Howe Library and served on the board for more than 40 years. In 1974 when the library had outgrown its original building, Posey became chief fundraiser, chair of the building committee and chair of the trustee board. She did the same again in 2002 where she co-chaired a capital campaign to expand and renovate the present Howe Library.

The Episcopal faith played an important role in Posey's life, and she was a lifelong member of St. Thomas Church in Hanover. She served on the alter guild for many years and could be found most Sundays in the back pew greeting all those who arrived for Sunday Service.

Posey was equally invested in the development and growth of the Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital, now the DHMC. For over 21 years, she was an active member of the Board of Trustees, during which time the decision was made to move the hospital from Hanover to Lebanon. Many visitors to the hospital will remember Posey donning her red volunteer blazer at the front reception desk, welcoming patients, and helping them find their way throughout the complex.

Posey was active in all she did in life, enjoying countless outdoor activities in all seasons with family and friends. Each summer Posey looked forward to her time at Little Boar's Head, N.H. where she spent days on the beach, enjoying the ocean with her girls. Time spent with friends at the historic Fish Houses during cocktail parties and family cookouts on the rocks were among her fondest memories. When the weather turned colder, Posey was an avid skier. She learned to ski on the Hanover Golf Course as a young child, was an instructor for the Ford Sayre Ski Club for children, and took enormous pride in teaching her children and grandchildren to ski and to appreciate the mountains and beauty of the Upper Valley and Colorado. After Posey and Dick's divorce, she relished new opportunities to travel with her daughters and friends. She talked fondly of her most memorable trip across England with Hanover pals in 1984 trekking miles each day across the English Countryside. A trip to Antarctica to observe penguins and other wildlife in their natural habitat was one of the experiences she remembered with joy. With a warm smile, Posey lived her life to the fullest and will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Posey's dedication to serving the community and improving the lives of others has made a lasting impression on her family. Posey is survived by her brother, John Piane, Jr. (Cristine) of Keene, and three daughters, Ann Fowler Stevens of Hanover, Joan Fowler Sullivan of Ipswich, and Lucy Fowler Williams (Erik) of Philadelphia, and five grandchildren.

Posey was so fortunate to have a dedicated and loving team of caregivers to whom the family is immensely grateful: the staff at VNH/Help-At-Home, especially Terri and Lorie; Michael, Andrea, Guy, Lauren and Stephen, Paula, and Dr. Adam Schwarz, who together enabled Posey to stay comfortably in her home until the end.

Contributions may be made in her memory to Visiting Nurse and Hospice for Vermont and New Hampshire, Howe Library, or St. Thomas Episcopal Church. At Posey's request a private graveside service will be held.

 

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