Lamoine, Maine - Joyce Eleanor (Ashe) Harding, 89, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026. She was born on January 3, 1937, in Eastbrook, the daughter of Lawrence and Elizabeth (Joy) Ashe.

Joyce graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1954. On August 27, 1956, she married the love of her life, Richard "Dick" Harding of Lamoine. Together they built not only a successful business, but a remarkable life centered on family, hard work, and community. Joyce had a passion for antiques and owned an antique store in Trenton until 1970, when she and Dick started the Clam Shell Take-Out. The business soon evolved into the Gateway Lobster Pound and Happy Folly Gift Shop. In 1984, they expanded their venture by purchasing Lunt's Lobster Pound across the street. Together they owned and operated these beloved seasonal restaurants for 50 years, welcoming countless visitors and locals with their hospitality. During the winter months, Joyce and Dick enjoyed spending time in Port Charlotte, Florida. Above all else, Joyce cherished her family. She found her greatest joy in bringing everyone together and creating lasting memories. She and Dick loved traveling and shared that passion with their children and grandchildren, taking guided tours and river cruises throughout Europe. On many occasions, three generations of the family, sometimes as many as fifteen people, traveled together, creating treasured memories that will endure for years to come. Joyce was also deeply involved in public service and civic life. She was an active member of the Hancock County Republican Party, serving as president of the Hancock County Republican Women's organization. She worked on the U.S. Senate campaigns of Bill Cohen and Olympia Snowe and was honored to attend the inaugural balls of Presidents Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Timothy Harding of Lamoine, Gregory Harding and his wife, Patricia, of Trenton, Kim Collier and her husband, Steve, of Fort Myers, Florida, and Michelle Beal and her husband, Everett, of Ellsworth. She also leaves behind six cherished grandchildren, Jason Collier and his wife, Kaley, Heather Mitch and her husband, Ryan, Evan Beal and his wife, Monica, Kara Beal,Ashley Harding, and Nicholas Harding. Joyce was the proud great-grandmother of Madelyn and Nathan Collier, Carson and Palmer Mitch, and Theodore Beal. Joyce was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard "Dick" Harding; her sisters, Catherine Day Bragdon and Betty Harding; and her brother, Lawrence "Buddy" Ashe.

Joyce will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, her entrepreneurial spirit, her generosity, and the warmth she shared with everyone who knew her. Her legacy lives on through the family she loved so deeply and the many lives she touched throughout her remarkable life.

A celebration of life will be held on August 25, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Gateway/Lunts Lobster Pound in Trenton. Those who desire may make contributions to honor Joyce to the charity of their choice. Condolences may be expressed at jordanfernald.com.