Joan Elizabeth Curtis

Joan Elizabeth Curtis, cherished wife, sister, and friend, died peacefully at home on Sunday May 7, 2023 after a long illness. Her loving husband Alan was by her side. She was 79 years old. Though a Native Austinite who traveled the world, she always maintained home base in Austin. Born in 1944 to Josephine and Leslie Baldeschwiler, she grew up with four siblings--Mary Margaret, Patricia (Patty), Michael, and Frank. She attended Austin Community College and the University of Texas at Austin, taking a variety of courses to enrich her knowledge. In the early sixties, she met Alan Curtis, the love of her life. They had a brief chance meeting where a lot of smiling and a maybe a little flirtation took place but no names were exchanged. Then six months later, a friend suggested a “double date” outing and arranged a blind date for Joan and Alan. The rest is history--they married in 1966 and were together 57 years. They enjoyed rich friendships, social events, travel, and new cultural experiences. They formed a real estate company together and shared a highly successful business for many years—Alan as Broker, Joan as Agent. She and Alan traveled extensively in Europe and Asia, sharing experiences and making wonderful memories with old and new friends along the way. She especially loved the trips to Paris and Las Vegas. Her circle of friends was extensive. She added laughter, loyalty, and true caring for so many people. If you were lucky enough to be a friend of hers, her caring about you was for life. She was generous with gifts for friends and family, carefully selected for something meaningful. Cards were sent for birthdays, Valentines, and other special holidays. Her sweet disposition and welcoming smile were heart warming. Joan was a lover of art and classical music. Her interest and extensive knowledge about art was influenced by her sister-in-law Anne Cofrin Baldeschwiler, a well known artist. Joan helped promote Anne’s career including art events held at the beautiful W. L. Gilfillan House purchased by Anne which was later designated as an Austin Landmark. Invitations to parties held there were highly desirable. Her community involvement and impact were extensive over the years as she invested her time, talent, and creativity. She primarily focused on organizations that dealt with family and social issues. She held leadership positions in many community organizations, including Board status and Chairmanships. She was most proud of these: The Settlement Club; Women’s Art Guild of Laguna Gloria; The National Society of Arts and Letters; Symphony Square Committee; Women’s Symphony League of Austin; Access for Youth; The Heritage Society of Austin; Ballet Austin; American Cancer Society, including the famed Cattle Baron’s Ball; M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston; Rotary Club of West Austin; KLRU (Leading Fund Raiser 1986); and the Austin Woman’s Club. She also shared many joyful hours with smaller groups, such as the Monthly Birthday Club and her Bridge Clubs. Surviving Joan are her devoted husband Alan Curtis, sister Mary Margaret Baldeschwiler, sister and brother in law Patty and Everett Anglin, brother Michael, and sister-in-law Anne Baldeschwiler Christian. She is also survived by nieces, Lauren Anglin, Dr. Anne Christian Gomez, Dr. Mary Christian Reed, Bailey Baldeschwiler and nephew Blaise Baldeschwiler. She leaves this world a better place for so many whose lives she touched. She was a compassionate soul and we will always love her and miss her dearly. A visitation for Joan will be held Thursday, May 11, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, Texas. A graveside service will occur Friday, May 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Austin Memorial Park, 2800 Hancock Drive, Austin, Texas. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishnorth.com for the Curtis family.