Salem, NH — Joan Barbara Harp, 80, passed away peacefully on Nov. 26 surrounded by her loved ones at home.

Mrs. Harp grew up in Rochester, N.H., attending local schools and Spaulding High School, where she graduated in 1960 and was voted prom queen her junior year.

Mrs. Harp’s involvement with horses began at an early age, since her mother was an avid horsewoman. As a child, she rode horses with her mother. She started her career and dedication to the harness racing world when her parents became involved in the sport. Growing up, Mrs. Harp spent many summers at Hinsdale (N.H.) Raceway helping her parents. This is where she met the love of her life, Warren Harp, to whom she was married for over 50 years. Mrs. Harp’s involvement with horses and harness racing was a lifelong passion of hers. In 1980, the Harps relocated to Gilchrist Farms in Bell, Fla., where they continued their successful stable of Standardbred horses.

Mrs. Harp is preceded in death by her husband, Warren Harp; parents, Catherine and Walter Hussey; sister, Dorothy Hussey Valleton; and brother, Charles Hussey.

She is survived by her daughter, Susie Salles; son, Jimmy Harp (Sharon); grandson, Houston Harp; granddaughters, Kristina Sharkevich (Mike) and Amanda Picard (Preston); and four great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to: Christian Harness Horsemen’s Association, 157 North Main Street, Salem, NH 03079, and directed to the attention of Chaplain Lee Alphen.