Joana Hunter Oest (Bean), 73, of Boothbay Harbor died Sept. 8, 2017. She was born in Presque Isle, Maine on July 21, 1944, and never lost her County roots. She was brave and strong, but finally lost her two year battle with cancer, living her last several weeks under hospice care in a nursing facility in Bath, Maine.

Joana raised her blended family for over 35 years in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, bringing strength and comfort to all. Her recent years were spent residing in her home in Boothbay Harbor where she participated in boating and lobstering activities and blending with the sea which she loved. She maintained a winter residence in Wilbur-By-The-Sea, Florida, a welcome respite from the winter winds. She is remembered for her smile which would light up a room as she entered.

Joana spent her early working career in the banking industry and moved her energy into the world of travel, whetting her appetite for worldwide cultural activities and exploration. She owned and operated two travel agencies, Travel Planners of South Portland, Maine, and Gorham Village Travel in Gorham, Maine. She traveled to over 100 countries and all seven continents over her years, not letting her recent sickness impinge on her desires.

She leaves her husband of 40 years, Harvey, who resides in Boothbay Harbor. Her children are Tracy Robinson (husband Randy) of Augusta, Maine; Tawny Olore (husband Stephen) of Orlando, Florida; Todd Hunter (wife Noelle) of Raymond, Maine; and Eric Oest of Palmer, Massachusetts. Her grandchildren, whom brought her much joy, excitement, and love, are Katie and Kora Hunter of Raymond and Nicolas and Sophia Olore of Orlando.

The funeral was private at the wishes of Joana. Her burial was in the Riverside Cemetery of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, on Sept. 12. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. To view Joana’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com