Joan A. Lester (Lastowka), 85, lifelong resident of Merrimack, NH died Tuesday Feb. 24, 2026, in Norwell, MA after a period of declining health.

She was born in Nashua, NH on Aug. 29, 1940, a daughter of the late Joseph R. and Margaret (Latour) Lester (Lastowka).

Joan was a longtime teacher at Mastricola Middle School, teaching English and then later, History. She retired in 2002 after a forty-year career, during which she became very well-known for a certain catch phrase (if you know, you know). She developed a passion for researching the family's genealogy, including traveling through Europe to meet relatives. She also enjoyed gardening and the outdoors.

In addition to her parents, she was pre-deceased by a brother Joseph R. Lastowka and a sister Mary Lester.

Members of her surviving family include a brother William "Bill" Lastowka (Lois) of Merrimack, nieces Kathy Anderson (Bill) of Belmont, Ma; Laura Piercy (Tim) of Bonita Springs, Florida; Leslie Kouchalakos (Evan) of Merrimack, NH; nephews Eric Lastowka (Dawn) of Hanover, MA; and Adam Lastowka (Roel) of Suwanee, GA, as well as great nieces and nephews and many cousins.

Calling hours will be held March 4, 2026, from 4-7 PM in the Rivet Funeral Home, 425 Daniel Webster Hwy, Merrimack, NH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Mercy Church, 16 Baboosic Lake Rd, Merrimack on Thursday March 5, 2026, at 10 AM. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Lithuanian Cemetery in Hudson, NH. The family invites everyone to attend a luncheon at the Arthur O'Leary Adult Senior Center, 4 Church Street, Merrimack after the burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joan's memory can be made to the Merrimack Historical Society at 10 Depot Street, Merrimack NH 03054.