Kittery-Clara "Joanne" Newcomer of Kittery died Wednesday, July 27, 2016 following a long illness.  She was born in Newburyport, Ma. and grew up in Salisbury. She was the daughter of Charles T. and Ethel M. Merrill of Salisbury.

She was the wife of the late James R. Newcomer of 52 years. She spent her earlier years traveling with her husband throughout his service to the Air Force and raising her five children. She was predeceased by her brother's Charles E. Merrill and Richard B. Merrill.  Joanne's happiest times were with her family and they're many gatherings, along with her two beloved dogs.  She was an avid reader, and enjoyed her trips to the casino's.

Joanne is survived by her five children, Brian and Sue Newcomer of Newington, James Newcomer and fiancé Rhonda Millett of Kittery, Jay and Karen Newcomer of Manchester, Victoria Newcomer-Higgins and Richard Higgins of Eliot, Kimberly and Mark Scott of Eliot.  She also leaves behind five grandchildren, Cara Newcomer, Katherine Jackson, Christopher Jackson, Toni Marie Grondin and Ian Fritz. Two great grandchildren, Emma Grondin and Kaleb Fritz.

A private memorial will be held by her family at the Longhill cemetery in Salisbury, Ma.  Memorials donations may be made in her memory to the NHSPCA or Cancer society. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.jspelkeyfuneralhome.com . Care for the Newcomer family has been entrusted to the JS Pelkey Funeral Home.