Joan Alice Henault

Joan Alice (LaBelle) Henault, of Claremont, New Hampshire, passed away on September 12, 2026, following a long illness, on the day of her 82nd birthday.

Joan was born on September 12, 1944, in Lebanon, New Hampshire, the daughter of Daniel W. LaBelle and Mary (Spalding) LaBelle of Hartford, Vermont.

Joan will be remembered most for her generous heart and the way she cared for others. She was always willing to help someone in need, and there was always room for one more person at her table. Her family and friends especially remember the annual Christmas gatherings she hosted, when everyone was welcome and left with a gift. Giving to others brought Joan great joy.

Joan was creative, hardworking, and never afraid to try something new. Over the years, she worked at Dartmouth Woolen Mill, Samantha's Fashion, and as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She loved to share her talents with others such as baking and ceramics. She even operated a ceramics shop where she taught others to paint and create their own pieces.

Joan raised four boys and was always there to support their activities, interests, and adventures. In the mid-1970s, that willingness to get involved led her to break new ground in the Claremont Little League when she became a female umpire—something few women were doing at the time.

Later in life, Joan found great happiness in her garden. She loved tending to her flowers and was proud of an extraordinary blossom she grew each year that stretched nearly three feet. It was the kind of accomplishment Joan was delighted to show off to family and visitors. Joan was an animal lover and had a special place in her heart for dogs, who brought her companionship and happiness throughout her life.

Joan is survived by her husband of 41 years, William “Bill” Henault of Claremont; her sons, Donald “Don” Decato and his wife, Judie, of Verona, Wisconsin, and Jay Soucy and his wife, Michelle, of Carmel, Indiana; her sister, Ellen Wood of Lebanon, New Hampshire; and her brother, Timothy “Tim” LaBelle of Claremont, New Hampshire.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Dan Decato and his wife, Asia; Nina Decato and her fiancé, Tyler; Jason LaMontagne; Brittney Beland; Jeffrey Decato; Linsey Decato; Nathaniel Foote and his wife, Erin; Zachary Soucy; and Maxwell Soucy; and great grandchildren Mason Hewitt and Mariah Hewitt.

Joan was predeceased by her sons, Jeffrey Decato and Dale Decato; her granddaughter, Kasey Decato; her brothers, Daniel LaBelle, Louis LaBelle, John LaBelle, and James LaBelle; and her sister, Annette Stevens.

Joan lived her life by giving—to her family, her friends, and people who simply needed a helping hand. She created things, grew things, welcomed people into her home, and made sure there was something for everyone. Her family will remember the Christmas gatherings, the baking and ceramics, the flowers she was so proud of, her love of dogs, and, most of all, the many ways she showed her love through what she did for others.

Services: Family and friends are invited to gather to remember and celebrate Joan’s life on Tuesday, October 13 at 10:00 a.m. at Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad St, Claremont, NH. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. then grave side service at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Plains Road, Claremont, NH.

Memorial Contributions: For those wishing to honor Joan’s memory, the family suggests a memorial contribution to an animal shelter or rescue organization in recognition of Joan’s special love for dogs.

Joan will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.