Joan Viner

RUTLAND – Joan (Littlefield) Viner, 90, beloved wife of the late Gaylord B. Viner, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, January 7, 2025, at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home. Born and raised in Orono, Maine, she was the daughter of the late Eugene and Maxine (Hilchey) Littlefield.

Joan took great pride in her home state of Maine. She was a graduate of Orono High School and attended the Maine Medical Center School in Portland, Maine. She later graduated from Salter Secretarial School in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Joan was an active member of the Rutland community for more than 50 years. In 1965, she began her career as a secretary at Naquag Elementary School. In 1971, she began serving as a dispatcher for both the Rutland Fire and Police Departments, providing critical support during emergencies. She proudly served as Matron for the Rutland Police Department and she also enjoyed working at the polls during elections.

Family was first and foremost for Joan. She loved attending the sporting events of her children and grandchildren, cheering them on from the sidelines whenever she could. Joan’s grandchildren considered her “the best Grammy ever,” and they were truly her pride and joy.

She will be lovingly missed and remembered by her children, Gene Viner and his wife, Dianna, of Colorado, and their children, Chelsea and Emily; Gayle Nowak of Worcester, and her children, Maxine, Sarah, and Maria; and Neil Viner and his wife, Michelle, of Rutland, and their children, Alexis and Glenn. She also leaves behind 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild on the way, as well as her nieces, Lauren Baggerly, Brenda Capen, and Diane “Missy” Seaborn, all of Virginia.

In addition to her husband of 65 years, Gaylord, Joan was predeceased by her son, Glenn Viner; her sister, Jean Capen; and her nephew, David Capen.

Joan’s family would like to express a special thank you to the Rutland Police and Fire Departments for their assistance and support over the years.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather with the family from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14, at the funeral home. Burial will be private and held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rose Monahan Hospice Home, 12 Judith Road, Worcester, MA 01602.