Joan Walker

Joan Walker, 67, passed away peacefully on December 20th, 2019 at her home in Lauderdale by the Sea, Florida, after an

18 month battle with brain cancer.

Joanie was born on June

2nd, 1952 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the second of seven children to Edna and Chester Thompson. She moved to Orlando, Florida in 1957 and graduated from Mount Dora Christian Home and Bible School in 1970. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Health and Biology from the University of Florida in 1976 and her Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Services from Florida State University in 1981.

After her schooling, Joanie went on to have an accomplished career as a registered nurse, certified medical case manager, and certified rehabilitation counselor. She operated a medical case management company for over 30 years and derived a great sense of purpose from her relationships with patients and physicians. In her later years she sought challenges outside of her comfort zone and became a docent at the NSU Art Museum. There, she thrived in learning about art, facilitating tours, and befriending her fellow docents. Joanie also had a vibrant personal life full of love, fun, activity, and travel. At 28 years old, she met Douglas Walker on Fort Lauderdale beach. Joanie was running and Doug was swimming, but the two noticed each other and started talking on a log that washed up on shore. The rest is history, and Joanie and Doug married on April 17th, 1982. They were very much in love throughout their marriage and bonded over their mutual desire to explore the world and live a purposeful, engaged life. They also had two children together, Scott and Leslie. The family of four had many adventures, such as traveling to Europe and the Grand Canyon, frequenting the Florida theme parks, snow skiing, and white water rafting.

Joanie made friends wherever she went, and even in her later years developed close groups of friends — one group through her gym and the other through the NSU Art Museum. Loved ones will remember Joanie for her beautiful, warm smile, her ability to bring out the best in others, her empathy, and her seemingly limitless energy for life. People felt special in her company, and those who knew her often remark that she possessed a joyful “light” about her.

After her diagnosis, Joanie focused on her relationships and herself, and this quality time allowed her to become at peace with the life she lived and the people she loved. Joanie is survived by her husband Doug, children Scott and Leslie, parents Edna and Chester Thompson, and siblings Loraine Clewis, Nancy Lesch, Tom Thompson, and Leah Armstead.

An open house celebrating her life will be held at the family’s house in Lauderdale by the Sea on Saturday, December 28th, 2019 from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, Joanie requested that donations be sent to the NSU Art Museum in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Please sign guestbook on www.sun-sentinel.com/obituaries