Obituary of Joan L. Youse

Joan Leonard Jones Anderson Youse, known to her family as “Mum” and “Joan” (pronounced Jo-Ann), died peacefully on October 16, at the age of 97. A strong-willed woman who charted her own course, she was able to realize her final wish – living out her last years in her own home in Florida. As her surnames suggest, she was blessed with three marriages, tohusbands whose strength and independence matched hers. Mum was born to Madeline and Edwin P. Leonard in Milford, MA on July 20th, 1926, the eldest of four. She loved to say, “…but a more important date in my life was being born again July 20th1931.”

Joan was educated at Mt. Ida Jr. College, Endicott College andThe Episcopal Theological School. Her first job came by way of her father, Dr. Edwin P. Leonard, an Optometrist who taught her the skills of visual testing and training.  Joan then devoted her life to Christ. She was a Director of Christian Education-Pilgrim Church, Duxbury, MA, a member of The Order of St. Luke,Stephen Christian Counselor and Stephen Minister. She was also a lay Pastor at the Central Assembly of God, Vero Beach FL,Chaplain's Assistant-Jordan Hospital, Plymouth, MA, Missionary at Southwest Indian School- Peoria, AZ and a Home Bible Studies Mentor-Vero Beach Charter High School.

Joan loved collecting, especially antiques, a passion inherited from her mother. Joan owned an antique shop with her husband, named “House of Youse”, first in Southwest Harbor, ME, then Duxbury, MA, and finally Vero Beach, FL. In addition to her servanthood and antiques business, she was a member of The International Christian Embassy- Jerusalem and Friends of Israel. She loved Jerusalem, and was blessed to go there 3 times!She also supported Habitat for Humanity, Care Net, The Source,Vero Beach Museum of Art, John Alden Society, New Covenant Fellowship in Duxbury, MA and The First Church of God- Vero Beach, FL. She found her church home at Christ by the Sea, Vero Beach, FL. 

Friends and family, listening to her spiritual stories, encouragedher to write a book, so she did, and entitled it "You Have Not Walked This Way Before", which is a love story about her life, love for Christ and her family.

Her sons remember her for her kindness, love of a good laugh, singing Happy Birthday, her refusal to throw out ANYTHING, hundreds of pictures of family and friends, hugging strangers and healthy eating.

At a recent remembrance service at her church in Florida, her friends recounted their own stories of Joan’s love for Christ, family, friends…and the telephone. One friend shared the experience that in the middle of saying grace, Joan’s phone rang and she was, as always, determined to answer that call. She told God to wait a second, as she needed to put Him on temporary hold while fielding the call. Every day, Mum sought ways to connect with people.

Mum is survived by four sons: Durham Fredericks Jones and Tally, New London, NH; Stephen Leonard Jones and Jan, Princeton MA, William Bruce Jones and Sue, Cumberland, MEand Robert Bainbridge Jones and Cleusa, Lowell, MA -threestep children: Mark Wakefield Anderson, Astrid Anderson Hardy and Clifford R Youse-nine grandchildren: Caroline, Durham, Nathaniel, Wesley, Somerby, Ben, Emily, Abigail, Ted, and step-grandson, Ian. There are nine great-grandchildren:Cooper, Brady, Benjamin, Durham, Rhys, Landon, Sam, Courtney and Steven.

Joan was predeceased by her parents Madeline and Edwin P. Leonard, sister Nancy A. Goddard, and brothers Edwin P Leonard II, William B Leonard; her husbands Durham F. Jones, Arthur D. Anderson and Clifford F. Youse and stepson, ArthurDaniel Anderson III and stepdaughter Deborah Anderson.

In her memory, please contact your favorite charity

"Whatever you do, work at it with all of you heart...”

A private, family-only memorial service will be held at the Mayflower Cemetery in Duxbury, MA, November 25th at 12pm.