Joan Walsh

Barbara Joan Walsh (née Lipscomb), age 90, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, in Bend, Oregon.

Born on September 17, 1934, in Gary, Indiana, Joan's life was marked by a deep commitment to education, faith, and community. She completed her high school education at St. Mary of the Wasatch in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her academic journey continued at St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana, where she earned her undergraduate degree. Driven by a passion for history and learning, she later obtained a Master's Degree in History from Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, California.

Joan dedicated the early part of her professional life to teaching within the Catholic School system as a sister of the Holy Cross. For fifteen years, she served with devotion and purpose before choosing a new path outside religious life. Transitioning into the business world, she worked as a secretary for a real estate investment firm in San Francisco, California. It was during this chapter that she met Charles R. Walsh-Chuck-who would become her beloved husband.

Joan and Chuck made their home in Marin County, California before retiring to LaPine, Oregon in 1987. Retirement brought them closer to nature and community service-two things they cherished deeply.

Together they volunteered at the High Desert Museum and St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. Their shared love for animals led them to active involvement with the Mt. Bachelor Kennel Club where they enjoyed showing their dogs. Joan especially loved participating in dog agility events and often remarked that it kept her feeling young and fit.

A woman of many talents and interests, Joan found joy and creative expression through rug hooking as a member of the High Desert Rug Hookers. Her handmade rugs were admired for their beauty and craftsmanship a reflection of her patience and artistic spirit.

Faith remained central throughout Joan's life. She was an active member of Holy Communion Church in Bend and drew strength from her spiritual community.

Joan is lovingly remembered by her stepdaughters: Susanne Rosas and husband Jesus; Diana Judd; Janet Heidrich and husband Robert; grandchildren: Angela Tan and husband Ryan; Monica Demaranville and husband Stephen; David Rosas and wife Brittany; Robert Heidrich and wife Courtney; Jessica Pricco and husband Evan; as well as great- grandchildren: Madeleine, Leila, Savannah, Jacob, Lucas, Madeline, Robbie, and Grayson.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband Charles R. Walsh; her mother Della B. Lipscomb; father Earl M. Lipscomb, and Sister Margo

Joan's legacy lives on through the lives she touched-as an educator, volunteer, artist, dog enthusiast, stepmother, grandmother, great-grandmother-and through her enduring contributions to the communities she loved.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her and continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to share in her remarkable journey.