Joan Merle Izen

Joan Merle Izen, resident of New Castle and formerly of Bedford, died surrounded by her loving family on May 27th at the age of 70. She leaves behind her husband of 46 years Joel Schwelling, son Ethan Schwelling and daughter in law Megan Bailey, grandsons Noah and Miles and Sister Cheryl Izen and brother in law Raymond Leghart. Joan was born in Boston and is pre-deceased by her father David Izen and mother Sylvia (Glassman) Izen.

In 1992, Joan conceived and designed the Preschool Technical Assistance Network (PTAN), a statewide, grant funded project that promotes quality programs for New Hampshire’s young children and their families. She served as the Project Director since its inception and supported NH’s State offices to develop new systems and policies that promote the successful inclusion of all young children in their early care and education settings. Most recently, Joan supported NH’s efforts to become the twenty-eighth state joining the Pyramid Model, an international consortium supporting social and emotional development in early childhood classrooms. For the past five years she served as the facilitator of the State Leadership Team and through a funded project supported the development of the State’s first Master Cadre of coaches and trainers. PTAN has served as a model for many other state programs across the country. Joan was also a long time member of the advisory committee for the Breakthrough Collaborative at the Derryfield School. And for many years she served as recording secretary and board member of the Lake Kanasatka Watershed Association. She was active and vital in her home and work life until her cancer diagnosis this past November.

Joan earned a B.S. in Communication Disorders from Emerson College and an M.A. in Speech Communication from the University of Maine-Orono. In 2008 she completed the Organization Development Certificate Program at Antioch University New England and in 2010 graduated from the Leadership NH program.

Whatever Joan decided to turn her attention to, she gave it everything she had. Whether it was her writing, knitting, baking, kayaking or playing basketball with her grandsons, when she was there, she was fully engaged. Joan was always ready to listen, to counsel, to console or share a laugh and a good meal. Her favorite word was “why.” Her thirst for knowledge and understanding always led to a healthy skepticism and a quest to find a better way in any endeavor.

Joan will be greatly missed by her many friends, extended family and colleagues who shared and helped develop her vision. Her family would like to thank the caring medical staff at the Solinsky Center for Cancer Care at Elliot Hospital who guided her through many medically challenging times. The family asks that you remember Joan by donating to the Solinsky Center, the Manchester Red Cross Blood Donation Center through both monetary and blood donations, Cornerstone VNA Home Health and Hospice Care, Temple Adath Yeshurun and the Prescott Park Arts Festival.

Funeral services will be held at the Manchester Hebrew Cemetery chapel, 316 South Beech St., Manchester, NH Sunday May 31st at 11 AM. Rabbi Beth Davidson from Temple Adath Yeshurun will officiate.