Obituary for Johanne Frances Nodine (Harbert)
Johanne Frances Harbert Nodine, 85, of Goshen, CT passed peacefully into the Lord’s arms on January 28, 2022 after a period of declining health. She was born in Bristol, Connecticut to William and Ethel Harbert on September 20, 1936 and spent most of her early life in Terryville, Connecticut. She was the beloved wife of Ronald F. Nodine (deceased) and the mother of their 3 children; Robin Thebarge (John Thebarge) of Torrington, Connecticut; Maureen Fortier (Robert Fortier) of Biddeford, Maine; and Calvin Nodine (Kelly Nodine) of Goshen, Connecticut. In addition she left 10 grandchildren; Michelle Dion-Bernier, Crystal Nodine, Danielle Carter, Giselle Anderson, Katie Adams, Gregory Thebarge, Michael Fortier, Kimberly Smallenberger, Hannah Thebarge, and John Thebarge, 9 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, and several nieces and nephews. She is survived by her sisters Barbara Collins of Portland, Oregon and Mary Doyle of Townsend, Massachusetts. She is predeceased by her sister Evelyn Rode of Orleans, Massachusetts and brother William Harbert of West Islip, Long Island, New York.
Johanne attended Terryville High School in Connecticut where she graduated in 1954. She was described as, “full of life, handy with a remark, flirtatious, and enthusiastic about basketball.” She married Ronald F. Nodine, on September 3, 1956 in Terryville. The couple welcomed their 2 daughters while living on the campus of The University of Connecticut in a 16 foot trailer while Ron attended school. After graduation the couple returned to Terryville and welcomed their son into the family. The family relocated to Goshen, Connecticut in 1966. There they lived on a small farm raising a variety of livestock including pigs, beef cows, dairy cows, rabbits, geese, chickens, and a pony. They grew a big vegetable garden every year, bailed hay in the summer, and supported their children in 4-H. She lived the farm life by baking bread, making jams, jellies, maple syrup, and apple cider, canning vegetables, and caring for rabbits, piglets, calves, or chicks in the kitchen because they were too tender to be in the barn.
In 1969 the couple established Nodine’s Smokehouse, Inc. and grew that business, which was originally attached to the house, until they moved operations to Torrington, Connecticut in the late 80’s. Johanne remained Vice President and Co-owner until her death. She also held various odd jobs including Mail Carrier and working for the Litchfield County Extension Service. She was Chairwoman of the Town of Goshen Finance Committee for several years. She loved NASCAR, was an avid University of Connecticut Women’s Basketball fan and enjoyed her favorite dessert, strawberry shortcake. Moreover, she always had an open door and extra bed for family, especially her granddaughter Crystal.
She spent the last 3 years of her life in Biddeford, Maine. Johanne (AKA Mom, Mother, Grammy, GG) will be remembered as having a good sense of humor, keen wit, impish look, and caring heart.
If desired, memorial gifts in Johanne’s honor may be made to Beacon Hospice, 40 Atlantic Place, South Portland, Maine 04106.
Johanne attended Terryville High School in Connecticut where she graduated in 1954. She was described as, “full of life, handy with a remark, flirtatious, and enthusiastic about basketball.” She married Ronald F. Nodine, on September 3, 1956 in Terryville. The couple welcomed their 2 daughters while living on the campus of The University of Connecticut in a 16 foot trailer while Ron attended school. After graduation the couple returned to Terryville and welcomed their son into the family. The family relocated to Goshen, Connecticut in 1966. There they lived on a small farm raising a variety of livestock including pigs, beef cows, dairy cows, rabbits, geese, chickens, and a pony. They grew a big vegetable garden every year, bailed hay in the summer, and supported their children in 4-H. She lived the farm life by baking bread, making jams, jellies, maple syrup, and apple cider, canning vegetables, and caring for rabbits, piglets, calves, or chicks in the kitchen because they were too tender to be in the barn.
In 1969 the couple established Nodine’s Smokehouse, Inc. and grew that business, which was originally attached to the house, until they moved operations to Torrington, Connecticut in the late 80’s. Johanne remained Vice President and Co-owner until her death. She also held various odd jobs including Mail Carrier and working for the Litchfield County Extension Service. She was Chairwoman of the Town of Goshen Finance Committee for several years. She loved NASCAR, was an avid University of Connecticut Women’s Basketball fan and enjoyed her favorite dessert, strawberry shortcake. Moreover, she always had an open door and extra bed for family, especially her granddaughter Crystal.
She spent the last 3 years of her life in Biddeford, Maine. Johanne (AKA Mom, Mother, Grammy, GG) will be remembered as having a good sense of humor, keen wit, impish look, and caring heart.
If desired, memorial gifts in Johanne’s honor may be made to Beacon Hospice, 40 Atlantic Place, South Portland, Maine 04106.