Josephine Hamp Wescott “Jo”
December 2, 1945 ~ July 2, 2026
Born in: Franklin, New Hampshire
Resided in: Topsham, Maine
Josephine Hamp Wescott, affectionately known as “Jo,” passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026, in Topsham, Maine, at the age of 80. Born on December 2, 1945, in Franklin, New Hampshire, Jo was the daughter of Edward H. and Katherine M. (MacKenzie) Hamp.
She grew up in Andover, New Hampshire, where she developed a lifelong love of the outdoors, animals, and the natural beauty that remained central to her life.
Jo graduated from Stoneleigh-Burnham School in Greenfield, Massachusetts, and later from Colby Junior College in New London, New Hampshire. Her adventurous spirit led her to Colorado, where she lived for many years. She worked at Colorado Mountain College in Spring Valley and Colorado Rocky Mountain School in Carbondale before returning to Maine. There, she and her husband, Jim, owned and operated a bed and breakfast in Waterville, while Jo also enjoyed a career at Colby College until her retirement.
Following her retirement, Jo made her home in Belfast, Maine, where she embraced the beauty of the coast and continued to enjoy the simple pleasures that brought her so much happiness.
Jo was predeceased by her husband, James Wescott; her parents, and her brother, Nicholas Hamp. She is survived by her stepchildren, Sarah and Seth Wescott; her nieces, Elizabeth Hamp and her husband, Bill Squires, and Amy Goodwin Hillis; her great-niece, Katherine Squires; and many beloved friends who will miss her deeply.
Jo’s family and friends will remember her as a woman of grace, curiosity, and generosity who found joy in nature, travel, and the people she loved. Her humor and appreciation for life’s beauty will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to The Highlands staff who cared for Jo in her final years, and CHANS Home Care and Hospice.
A graveside service will be held at Proctor Cemetery in Andover, New Hampshire, in the fall of 2026. Please visit Jo’s memorial page for updated service information.
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We are so sorry for your loss. Jo had a wonderful life. Liz, you took such great care of her these last few years. What a blessing it was to have you. Sending our love, Tammy, Bobby, Declan, Coleman & Nicky Jones