Joan S. Nesbit passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Friday, May 15, 2026. Born in Boston in 1932, she was the daughter of the late Thomas P. Salmon and Alice (Clark) Salmon. She was the beloved wife of the late Theodore A. Nesbit.
Joan graduated from Winchester High School and later attended Colby-Sawyer College. She began her career as a secretary, working for companies including Lufthansa Airlines and the First National Bank of Boston. During her younger years, she traveled extensively, making three voyages to Europe by ship.
In 1965, Joan and her family moved to Manchester-by-the-Sea, where she became deeply involved in the community. She volunteered with numerous local organizations, including serving as President of the Brookwood School Parents Association and supporting the Friends of the Manchester Library, the Manchester Historical Society, the Manchester Stream Team, and the Manchester Women’s Club. She also worked painting house interiors with a friend before beginning a successful thirty-year career as a realtor.
Known affectionately as Joanie to her grandchildren, Joan was simply a wonderful woman. She was a devoted mother and supportive friend who always placed the care of others before herself. She was full of love, humor, and kindness, and lived her life with independence, strength, and grace. Never one to complain, Joan carried herself with joy and contentment. Her family was her greatest joy, and she treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family gatherings were always filled with laughter, warmth, and fun. While her family deeply mourns her loss, they remain profoundly grateful for the love, wisdom, and happiness she brought to all who knew her.
Joan was predeceased by her husband, Ted Nesbit, and her brothers, Tom and Phil Salmon. She is survived by her sons, Chris, Jon, Tim, and Kurt; her grandchildren, Josie, Clinton, Max, Sam, Lola, and Emma; her great-grandchildren, Caleb, Isobel, Evelyn, and Tabitha; and her nephews, Tom, Rick, David, and Phil, and her niece, Elisa.
Funeral services will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 705 Hale Street, Beverly Farms, on Saturday, May 30th, at 11:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held at Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, on Friday, May 29th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Burial will be at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Manchester-by-the-Sea. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuenral.com.
