Joan (Baron) Flink

Joan Baron Flink was born on September 17, 1957 in Southbridge MA to Doris and Alexander (Al) Baron, and passed away on April 7, 2020 following a stroke. Raised in Essex Junction VT with her brother Will, she was an active participant in school activities, getting her friends together for frequent reunions over the years. Joan received her degree in Elementary and Special Education from the College of Saint Joseph the Provider in Rutland VT. She was a passionate educator, touching the lives of many students over the years. Joan taught for 35 years in public schools, beginning in Vermont and and spending over twenty years in communities in Massachusetts. She taught most recently in Salisbury MA, and after retirement continued teaching, in substitute positions. Her drive to support her students pushed Joan to further her education. In 2002 she completed her Master’s Degree in Education, concentrating in mathematics, at Cambridge College.

Joan settled in West Newbury, where she raised her twins, Leanne and Trevor. They were her bright light. Joan shared with them her love for Vermont, in particular Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains. They skied as often as possible at Killington, where Joan worked as a ski instructor during college.   

Joan loved being active and sought adventure. She could be seen bicycling around town with her crew Gus’ Gals, running with friends, and most recently working in Hamilton MA with rescue donkeys .

Joan was predeceased by her parents and her sister-in-law Deborah Baron of Grand Isle VT. She is survived by her children Leanne and Trevor Flink of West Newbury MA, her brother William Baron and his family of Grand Isle VT, her nephew Rob Baron and his family of Indiana PA, her uncle Don Mayfarth and his family of Oregon, Katherine Baron and her family of Florida, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Philip and Anne Flink and their family of Boston MA, Leanne’s and Trevor’s father Peter Flink of Newburyport MA, and many dear cousins, especially Kim and Mike Kelley of Middlebury VT, and countless close friends.

Joan will be fondly remembered for her vibrant energy and beautiful smile. Her favorite quote reminds us,

Those who make you sad, write their names in sand.

Those who make you glad, write their names in stone.

The wind will blow the sadness away and you will be able to forgive.

The names written in stone will be a happy memory forever.

For each life she touched, Joan will be a happy memory forever.

A memorial will be planned for a day when we can gather in person to celebrate Joan and the loving, active life she enjoyed. The Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950 is assisting Mrs. Flink’s family with her arrangements.

Donations in memory of Joan Baron Flink can be sent to Equine Rescue Network, 370 Middleton Road, Boxford MA 01921, or  through their website equinerescuenetwork.com.

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