M. Josephine “Jo” Stiles, 95, of Dover, NH and formerly of Hollis, NH passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2015 at the Watson Fields in Dover. A native of Souris, Prince Edward Island, Canada, Jo was born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1920, the seventh child of Donald and Mary Josephine (McPhee) MacInnis. Educated in PEI schools, she was a graduate of Prince of Wales Teacher’s College and taught in several one-room schoolhouses on the Island.
Jo lived for her family and to make the world a kinder place. She was the embodiment of what it means to live a good life and to offer others unconditional love, acceptance and warmth. Plus she had a wicked sense of humor, found joy in the company of those she loved and the warmest smile known to man.
Jo and her husband Arthur F. Stiles Jr. were married in Cambridge, MA on May 7, 1950. After their wedding, they made their first home on a dairy farm in Morril, Maine before moving to Woburn, Ma and eventually to Hollis, NH where they lived for many years. In addition to raising her family, Jo volunteered in the schools, for community groups and was chair of the Hollis School Board. Her husband Arthur passed away March 13, 1985.
She is survived by her seven children and their spouses, Wayne and Nancy Stiles, Carol Stiles and Bruce Hamilton, John Stiles, Bill and Linda Stiles, Bob and Dee Stiles, Pam and Kevin Murphy and Jim Stiles and Randy Bird; eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and her four nieces Josephine Ripley, Betty Fraser, Barbara Young and Catherine MacInnes. Her six brothers and sisters all predeceased her.
The family wishes to acknowledge the extraordinary care provided to their mother by the dedicated staff at Watson Fields.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Friday, November 6th from 5 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua on Saturday morning at 11:00. Interment will follow at East Cemetery in Hollis. Friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to go and volunteer their time with seniors or children in her memory or donations can be given to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com
