Joan Walsh

Joan Walsh was born on the Fourth of July in Patterson, N.J. After a long and blessed life, she entered eternal life on July 1, just shy of her 86th birthday.

Raised in Scranton, Joan was the youngest of three daughters born to Peter and Johanna Van Den Hurk, Dutch immigrants and owners of Schier's Bakery in South Side. Joan's circles were small, but her connections were deep. The friends she made in childhood lasted a lifetime and Joan looked forward to the yearly "reunion" of her friends and their families. Joan was a graduate of Central High School, where she enjoyed belonging to the school's FAF Sorority before attending Lackawanna Business School. After graduating, Joan worked as a secretary, although she continued to help at her parents' bakery, where she soon met a special customer and her future husband, Joe Walsh. The two were wed in October 1957 and remained happily married for 32 years until Joe's passing in 1989.

The primary role of Joan's life was that of mother, and a wonderful mother she was. She was kind, patient and a steadfast source of love and support for her five children, and later, her grandchildren. She created a home that was warm, welcoming, and full of laughter and celebrations. She was very close to her sisters, and their families were cherished people in her life.

The Walsh home was a gathering place where friends felt welcomed, and Joan always ensured that all who entered her home were well fed, even if this meant getting out of bed at midnight to cook.

Joan was an avid reader, but she found true joy in shopping. She was happiest during the Christmas season as it allowed her giving nature to shine as she tirelessly pursued the perfect gifts for those she loved. She would excitedly gather presents for her children, then grandchildren and great-grandchildren, year-round, and she always knew what would make someone happy. Preparations for the next Christmas would begin on Dec. 26.

Joan had the most kind and generous heart. During her later years as a resident of Webster Towers, she spent her days delivering meals to homebound seniors and planning parties for residents. A festive party was held when she was honored as Volunteer of the Year. The true friendships she cultivated there remained a treasure to her.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; dear son, Mark; and sisters, Marie (Kearney) and Henrietta (McGee). She is survived by her children, Joe (Judy), Lisa Mundt (Dennis), Brian (Kristi) and Julie McCloskey (Tom); daughter-in-law, Peggy; and 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Due to the current pandemic, the funeral will be conducted privately. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Immaculate Conception Church and Joan will be laid to rest beside her loving husband, Joe, in Cathedral Cemetery, at the convenience of the family. A celebration of Joan's life will occur at a future date when health conditions permit.

Arrangements entrusted to the Frank M. Regan Funeral Home, 715 Linden St., Scranton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor, online at http://www.littlesistersofthe

poorscranton.org/donations.