Joan Drinkwater

Celebrating the Life of a Devoted Nurse, Loving Wife and Cherished Aunt and Friend

Joan Marie Martin Drinwater (1931-2025)

ORONO - Joan Marie Drinkwater, known affectionally to her loved ones as "Jo", passed away peacefully at Dirigo Pines in Orono, Maine and went to Heaven on October 15, 2025. Born on August 28, 1931, in Old Town, Maine, Joan was the fourth daughter of the late Clement and Alphena Martin. She spent her formative years working on her family's farm in Eddington, Maine where her hard work and determination shone through early on. When she was 16, Jo won a new watch for picking the most green beans in a day.

Joan attended John Bapst High School in Bangor, graduating with distinction. Her passion for caring for others led her to pursue nursing at Saint Mary's School of Nursing in Lewiston where she graduated as a registered nurse in 1952. Joan began her career at Eastern Maine Medical Center in the obstetrics department where she dedicated herself to supporting new mothers and infants. Her career continued to flourish when she transferred to Dow Air Force Base, serving in the obstetrics department for the next ten years. Joan's commitment and expertise earned her the rank of Captain in the United States Air Force Reserves. Later, she was reassigned to Brunswick Naval Hospital. Joan met her husband, Verle Drinkwater, on a blind date. He was not only her loving partner, but also her best friend and the love of her life. They were married in 1968, embarking on a lifelong adventure together. Joan continued her nursing career at St. Joseph Hospital in Bangor, initially working in the maternity department before becoming the esteemed head nurse of the Ambulatory Surgery Unit (ASU)

After retiring in 1996, Joan and her late husband Verle enjoyed countless years camping and fishing throughout the great state of Maine. Their adventures took them across the United States, and they treasured spending six months each year golfing and enjoying time with friends and family in sunny Florida. Yet no matter where their travels led them, they joyfully returned to their cherished home in Maine, whether it be at Beech Hill Pond or in Orrington.

In addition to her parents and her husband Verle, Joan was predeceased by her sisters, Theresa Moeller, Yvette Tartre and Dorothy Allen and her brothers, Ronald Martin and Richard Martin. She is survived by a loving extended family.

Joan's memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends and the countless lives she touched throughout her distinguished nursing career. Many thanks to the staff at Dirigo Pines and to Diana Matson for her heartfelt care and friendship. Joan's unwavering dedication, kindness and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A Liturgy Outside of Mass will be held 11:00a.m., Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Brewer Chapel of Brookings-Smith, 55 S Main St, Brewer, immediately followed by the Rite of Committal in Woodlawn Cemetery, Brewer. Those who wish to remember Joan in a special way may make gifts in her memory to Saint Paul the Apostle Parish, 217 York St., Bangor ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.