HENNIKER, NH:  Joyce Marguerite Gosse, 96, of Henniker, NH, formerly of Long Island, NY passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 9, 2021 in Concord, NH after a brief illness.

She was born in 1925 in San Francisco, CA, and was the widow of Robert Gosse.  She is survived by a son, Robert A. Shields, and wife, Lynda, and a stepson, Robert Gosse and wife, Ruth.  She is predeceased by a daughter, Linda Shields. Her grandchildren include, Dawn Kunnmann and her husband, Greg, Laura Vazquez and her husband, Nick, and Robert J. Shields, and his significant other, Kim.  She also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

From 1984 to 2013, Joyce and Bob owned and operated Tall Pines Cottages on Keyser Pond, after residing in Long Island. The cottages were exactly what they needed to fulfill their dream of owning waterfront property. They loved the serenity of living on the pond, took pride in their eight lovely cottages, and enjoyed their evening canoe rides around the pond. It brought them both much happiness. Joyce enjoyed life and all of her family and friends.

One of her biggest joys around the Holidays was her “Letters to Santa” program in collaboration with the Henniker Post Office. She read each and every letter sent to her by Henniker School Children and never failed to answer each and every one with a personal response from “Mrs. Santa” herself.  Of course, she also always baked chocolate chip cookies for the post office staff in appreciation of their efforts. It gave her great fulfillment and gratification being involved with St. Theresa’s Parish’s Homeless population and assisting with the “Family Promise of Greater Concord” program. 

At the age of 90, she realized all the blessings she had been given in her life and, to show her gratitude and love for her creator, joined the Catholic Church.  She remained a faithful member until the day of her passage.  She also enjoyed being a dedicated member of the White Birch Community Center, and was involved with the “Bone Builders” group, keeping her active in the social community.

She was a true artist when it came to “counted cross stitch”projects, and created many beautiful masterpieces throughout the years for friends and family.  Crossword puzzles never got the best of her. She was a true champion in mastering them daily in the Concord Monitor Newspaper.

Joyce lived her life for others. She loved sending cards to EVERYONE she knew, and never failed to miss a birthday or special occasion. Her enthusiasm, dedication, commitment, determination, and abundant love, will be held dear to the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. 

Graveside services will be held Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 10 am in Henniker New Cemetery Henniker, NH.

The Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Theresa’s Parish, 158 Old West Hopkinton Rd, Henniker, NH 03242 or White Birch Community Center, 51 Hall Ave, Henniker, NH 03242.