She graduated from Albion Senior High school in 1953. After high school, she went on to earn a degree in Medical Technology from the University of Michigan in 1957. She worked for Mercy Hospital in Jackson, MI as a medical technician from 1957-1959 then Sheldon Memorial Hospital in Albion, MI as the Director of Laboratory from 1959-1960.
She met the love of her life, William “Bill” Walsh, while in high school. They later married on March 2, 1957.
Joan was very devoted to her faith and her family. She enjoyed camping, fishing and traveling, taking many trips around the country, visiting all 50 states. She attended as many events as she could to support her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Joan was active in the catholic church, serving in the St. John’s Altar Society, St. John’s Choir, and was a Eucharistic Minister. She was President of the Kalamazoo Council of Catholic Women and later, Province Director of the Detroit Province for the National Council of Catholic Women. She was also President of the Calhoun County Right to Life where she went on to hold positions at state levels for 40 years, also serving as a Legislative Representative.
She is survived by her husband, William “Bill” Walsh; children, Jeanette (Bob) Julian, Linda (Terry) Tomas, daughter-in-law, Amy Walsh, Michael Walsh, Cindy (Gary) Witt, MerriCarol (Adam) Baxter, eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Florence Grucza and children; John Walsh and Patricia Marie.
The family would like to thank her special caregivers, Charity, Caitland, Marshall and Bethany.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 5:30PM-7:30PM with a Rosary service at 7:30PM at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion, MI 49224. A visitation will also take place on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 10:00AM, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00AM at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 1020 Irwin Ave. Albion, MI 49224.
Memorial contributions can be made in Joan’s memory to Right to Life, Oaklawn Hospice and St. John the Evangelist Parish.
