Dr. Joleen Mary Minear, 81, of Salem, NH passed away on Saturday morning, January 20th, 2024, at the Salemhaven Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

She was born on January 26, 1942, to Florence (Kielich) and Bryan Minear. Joleen was raised in Buffalo, NY and attended local schools, before pursuing her bachelor's and doctoral degrees at St. Louis University. She began her career in education in the St. Louis Area, and after a few years moved to New Hampshire where she worked as an educator.  Joleen went on to accept the position as Principal of Franklin Elementary School in Keene, NH. She later took on the role of Principal for the Green Mountain Union High School in Vermont.  She then continued educating by owning and operating a Huntington Learning Center in the Plymouth, MA area.

Joleen was a champion of women's rights and broke many gender barriers.  She was an animal lover at heart and would go out of her way to rescue cats, rabbits, and other creatures. She was an avid reader, who enjoyed spending time golfing and by the ocean.

She is survived by her daughter, Kerry LaRoche and her husband Scott of Salem, NH; her brother, Wayne "Butch" Minear and his wife Karen; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Joleen was predeceased by her brother, Bryan "Bud" Minear and his wife Margaret "Marge".

A special thank you to Salemhaven nursing home staff and Amedisys Hospice Care.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salem Animal Rescue League, 4 SARL Drive, Salem, NH 03079.

Arrangements are in the care of the Carrier Family Funeral Home. To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.carrierfuneralhome.com.