Joyce Marie Baril, 80, of Donald Street in Claremont, died Sunday afternoon, November 9, 2008 at the Haven Health Center of Claremont.

She was a native and life long resident of Claremont, born on October 13, 1928 the daughter of Leo F. and Maud (Bourdon) Brunelle.

She was married to William J. Baril on July 30, 1949 and shared 39 loving years together until his death on April 19, 1988.  The Baril’s had no children of their own but over the years they opened their home and hearts to  various children in the community, as well as, serving as surrogate parents to some of their nieces and nephews.   She was a graduate of St Mary’s High School in the Class of 1946.  She became a talented bookkeeper and worked for many years in that capacity, first for the Merit Clothing Company and then at Noro’s Electrical Supply Co., currently Rockingham Electric.  She also managed the books for OH Lewis towards the end of her career.

She was pre-deceased by two older brothers, Mark Brunelle in 1991 and Norman Brunelle in 2005.

The surviving family includes two brothers, Frank Brunelle of Webster, MA and James Brunelle of Bainbridge Island, Washington; also numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Joyce was known as a kind and gentle lady; soft spoken and shy, yet very intelligent and witty.  She played a vital supportive role in her husband’s business enterprises and community affairs activities.  Her husband volunteered a significant amount of time to coach, referee and manage community sports teams.  Joyce frequently welcomed these young people into her home for meals and weekend sleepovers.

Bill and Joyce owned and managed a rental property where they lived on Donald Street which Mrs. Baril continued to operate following her husband’s death, developing strong, family like ties to her tenants, Pam and Bruce Murray and their children.

She was devoted to a succession of wonderful pet dogs from the time of her marriage to the time of her death.   She also enjoyed communicating with friends and family members by e-mail and became quite adept at operating a home computer. 

Over the past decade, the Murray’s were a great support and comfort to her, frequently doing the repairs and yard work for her, as well as, grocery shopping, errands and regularly providing her with home cooked meals.

Joyce also shared a special bond with a niece, Mrs. Bonnie Ota of Nashua, who visited her regularly, cared for her during her illness and was at her bedside when she died Sunday.

Funeral services will be held Saturday morning, November 15^th at 11:30 AM in the Stringer Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Winn Alley, Pastor of the First Congregational Church, officiating.

Interment will follow in St Mary’s Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Funeral Home on Saturday from 10:30  to  11:30 prior to the services.