Joanna Taft Maynard

Joanna “Taffy” Taft Maynard, born March 23, 1936, in Rutland, Vermont, lived a remarkable life defined by family, education, service, faith, and an enduring commitment to her community, died September, 22, 2026.

A lifelong Vermonter, Joanna graduated from Middlebury College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1958, and later earned her Master’s Degree in Education from Smith College in 1962.

To her family and friends, however, Joanna was simply and affectionately known as “Taffy”—a nickname inspired by her maiden name, Taft; “Sweet as Saltwater Taffy”, and one that seemed especially fitting for a woman remembered for her sweetness and warmth.

On October 8, 1960, Taffy married the love of her life, Hull Platt Maynard, Jr. Together they shared a beautiful marriage spanning nearly 59 years, until Hull’s passing on August 29, 2019. Their life together was rooted in family, community, service and a deep love for the place they called home, which Taffy proudly named “HIGH PASTURES”. A sprawling property which hosted endless community and family gatherings; a place where people would come to retrieve their Thanksgiving Turkeys raised on the property, and a few weeks later to wander the woods as a family to find “the perfect Christmas tree” to bring home for the holiday season.

Taffy devoted much of her life to teaching and encouraging young people. During her summer breaks, she taught swimming to people of all ages at the Rutland Rec Pool, helping generations discover not only the joy of swimming, but also the skills and confidence to remain safe in the water throughout their lives.

Following graduate school, Taffy became a coach and physical education teacher at Rutland High School, where she made history as the school’s first female athletic coach.

She later spent 34 years as a physical education teacher at Shrewsbury Mountain School, touching the lives of hundreds of children, and teaching them that physical activity was important not only for a healthy body, but also for a healthy mind.

Always looking for ways to expand opportunities for children, Taffy created a ski school program that gave students access to skiing—many of whom otherwise might never have had the opportunity. It was one of the many ways she quietly opened doors for young people throughout her life.

Her dedication to Rutland extended far beyond the classroom. A 55-year member of the Rutland Garden Club, Taffy found great joy in creating beauty and community spirit through flowers, natural arrangements and holiday greens displayed throughout Rutland County.

She was also a long-time member of the board of the Boys & Girls Club of Rutland County, an organization whose mission remained especially close to her heart.

Taffy was equally devoted to supporting her husband in his public service. She served as campaign manager for Hull’s State Senate campaigns, spearheading his successful efforts during his 13 years representing Rutland County in the Vermont State Senate. They were partners not only in marriage, but also in their shared commitment to the community they loved.

Her faith was another constant throughout her life. Taffy was a member of Grace Congregational United Church of Christ for an extraordinary 77 years—a spiritual home that accompanied her through nearly every season of her life.

Above all else, Taffy’s greatest legacy lives on through her family and the countless people whose lives were made better because she was part of them.

She is survived by her four children, Jill Maynard Nolan, Hull Platt Maynard III, Todd Taft Maynard, and Sarah Mann Maynard; their spouses, Brian Nolan, Margaret Walsh Maynard, and Charlotte Finley Maynard; and her five grandchildren, Margo Maynard Nolan, Isabelle Tabeau Nolan, Samantha West Maynard, Charlie Mathes Maynard, and Magdalena Taft Maynard. Taffy was predeceased by her beloved husband, Hull Platt Maynard, Jr.; Daughter, Margo Maynard; Mother, Marjorie Taft Erickson; and her Father, Raymond Chauncey Taft, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, it was Taffy’s wish that donations be made online to the Boys & Girls Club of Rutland County, reflecting her lifelong belief in supporting and creating opportunities for young people.

A memorial service celebrating Taffy’s life will be held at Grace Congregational UCC, 8 Court St., Rutland, VT, on Friday, October 23, at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception at the Rutland Country Club.

Taffy leaves behind a legacy that can be seen throughout the community she loved—in the children she taught, the opportunities she created, the organizations she served, the beauty she cultivated, the family she cherished, and the many lives she touched during her remarkable 90 years.

The Tossing Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.