Joan J. Scontsas

After living a long and fulfilling life, Joan Jacqueline Scontsas passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, at the age of 91, at Community Hospice House in Merrimack, with family members by her side.

Joan was born on November 5, 1934. Her early years were spent in New Bedford, Massachusetts with her parents Lillian and Leo Lemerise, her sisters Nancy, Jean and Margaret, and her brothers Raymond and Dennis. The family later moved to Hudson, New Hampshire.

Joan eventually settled in Nashua where she graduated from Nashua High School in 1952. She began her career as a telephone operator with New England Telephone Company where she formed many lifelong friendships that she cherished and maintained throughout the years.

In 1955, Joan met the love of her life, Peter Scontsas, during a chance encounter while having her shoes shined. Together, they built a remarkable life and family, raising five children: George, Pamela, Achilles, Philip, and Michael. While Peter devoted himself to the family business, the downtown Hallmark card store, Joan dedicated herself to raising their children and supporting the business. During those early years, Joan could often be seen carting the children downtown and hand-printing personalized names on Christmas cards for customers.

As their children grew older, Joan and Peter purchased the Rivier College Bookstore and Snack Bar, which Joan managed with exceptional dedication. The snack bar became a favorite gathering place for their children and their friends, many of whom fondly remember the free burgers and fries she happily served with her wonderful smile.

Joan possessed a natural beauty, warmth and grace that drew people to her throughout her life. In her younger years, these qualities were recognized when she won a local beauty pageant. But her true beauty came from the love she shared with family and friends. She was the perfect counterpart to her energetic husband, Peter, and together they shared a wonderful life until his untimely passing at the age of 65. At just 60 years old Joan stepped forward to help lead the new incarnation of the family business, Scontsas Fine Jewelry and Home Decor, alongside her son Philip and daughter-in-law Amalia. The business continues to flourish today, having surpassed the milestone of more than 100 years as a multi-generational enterprise and becoming one of the longest- running family-owned businesses operating in the same location in the entire state.

During her later years, Joan traveled extensively throughout Europe including Greece and Italy, often accompanied by her dear friend Despina Moskos. She loved shopping and never left home without her American Express card. When at home, Joan found her greatest joy in spending time with family and friends, especially during the holidays and hosting Greek Easter celebrations. She truly lived life to the fullest and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Joan is survived by her five children: George Scontsas and his wife Donna and their children Ryan and Timothy Libby; Pamela Prophet and her husband Tom and their children Trevor and Juliana Prophet; Achilles Scontsas and his wife Lisa and their son Peter; Philip Scontsas and his wife Amalia and their children Balfoure Brenes, Adriana Russell and Ivan Brenes; and Michael Scontsas and his wife Kasia and their daughters Natalia and Lillian. She is also survived by her brother Dennis Lemerise and his wife Jane as well as her grandchildren’s spouses, her great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

Joan was predeceased by her parents Lillian and Leo Lemerise; her husband Peter Scontsas; her sisters Nancy Tece and Jean Ouellette; her brother Raymond Lemerise; and her beloved granddaughter Nicole Scontsas.

Her family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the earthly angels at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack for the extraordinary love, compassion and care they provided Joan during her final days.

Private burial services will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery where Joan will be laid to rest with her beloved husband Peter, at a later date. The family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and kind wishes received during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Community Hospice House in Merrimack, the Alzheimer’s Association, or Saint Philips Church in Joan’s memory.

The Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com