Joan (Moyer) Root, age 84, most recently of Haverhill Crossing, formerly of Brunswick, ME, and Stonington and Middletown, CT, died Monday, April 22, 2013 at Merrimack Valley Hospital in Haverhill surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of 42 years of the late Lyman F. Root.

Born in Peking, China, August 7, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Raymond T. and Dorothy T. Moyer. She spent her early childhood in China, and attended the Peking- American School. Joan returned to the United States as a teenager, and considered Washington, D.C. her “hometown.”

She attended Oberlin College in Ohio, and during her married life, lived in many places. Her true passion was people and she kept with her a vast number of friends throughout the decades. She was a lifetime learner with a passion for travel and adventure. Joan was an avid gardener and floral arranger; she loved music and singing in various community choirs; and had mastered the art of Chinese cooking. She especially enjoyed summers at Swan’s Island in Maine, complete with the laughter and merriment of family and friends.

She is survived by daughter, Karen R. Sullivan and husband Keith of Salisbury; her son, Bryan M. Root and wife Nancy of Topsham, ME; two sisters, Susan Breed and husband William of Medfield, MA; Ann Scharff and husband, Dr. Paul Scharff of Spring Valley, NY and her three grandchildren, who held a very special place in her heart: Patrick and Molly Sullivan and Bryan Root, Jr.; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and longtime family friends.

Her vibrance and zest for life has left an everlasting impression on everyone who knew her. She will be fondly remembered by all.

Family and friends are invited to a “Celebration of Life” gathering to be held Saturday, May 4, 2013 at noon at Ristorante Molise in Market Square in Amesbury, MA. Arrangements are by Paul C. Rogers & Sons Family Funeral Home, 2 Hillside Avenue, Amesbury, MA.