Joan Constance

Woodbury

Joan Constance (Ruth) Woodbury, passed away peacefully with her family by her side in Jacksonville, FL on November 6, 2026. She was born and raised in the home her father built in Gloucester, MA. Joan was the youngest of four daughters known as "The Ruth Girls" born to Charles and (Anna) Evelyn (Tobin) Ruth, along with her sisters Kathryn Tebo, Dorothy Larsen and Phyllis Sudbay, all of whom pre­deceased her. She was educated and spent her young adult life in Gloucester. As a young woman, Joan pursued hairdressing as a career and photography as an avid hobby.

She lived most of her life in Ipswich, MA, with her late husband Robert Woodbury Jr. (Bob), enjoying life in a small coastal community. Marrying at age twenty-four, Joan lived a full life and enjoyed all the things that New England provided for, bringing up a family of four children. Whether it was time spent with the family on the water, visits to Crane Beach, camping in New Hampshire, or traveling extensively with the family's RV, she enjoyed doing it with a book in her hand.

Socially gregarious and renowned for her tasty hors d'oeuvres, she opened their home to family and neighbors as an enthusiastic hostess for holiday and special occasion gatherings. Likewise, the Woodbury home was the hang-out destination for the neighborhood children, and the many laughs with Joan and her fun demeanor.

Joan worked at Backer Hotwatt in Danvers, MA, and later in the Bakery Dept. at Henry's Market in Beverly, MA, enjoying the social interactions with her coworkers and customers. Though much of her life was dedicated to being a hands-on wife and mother, she spent her latter years showering her grandchildren with affection.

The last portion of her life was spent in the loving care of her daughter Gail Hassler, her husband Scott and their family. The family gave generously and selflessly to make Joan's last decade a time to cherish and enjoy in the warmth of family life.

Joan is survived by her children Robert Woodbury Ill and his partner Barbara Hopkins of Vernon, Connecticut, Lorene Woodbury of Tulsa, Oklahoma, William Woodbury and his wife Deborah of Newburyport, Massachusetts and Gail Hassler and her husband Scott of (Hampstead, NH) with a recent move to Jacksonville, Florida. She also leaves behind a legacy of four grandchildren, Liam Woodbury and Abbie, Andrew and Arica Hassler.