Joan Lorraine (Walker) O'Brien

Joan Lorraine (Walker) O’Brien, 95, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on the morning of August 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Joan was the proud matriarch of the O’Brien family and the devoted wife of J. Thomas O’Brien (deceased), a respected leader in the Indianapolis automotive industry.

Born in Mishawaka, Indiana, to Emily (Seeger) and Lorenzo Walker, Joan was the youngest of five children, joining her siblings Robert Walker, Lois (Walker) Decker, William “Bud” Walker, and Rosemary (Walker) Lynch, all of whom preceded her in death. A 1949 graduate of Shortridge High School - the “Forty-Niners” - Joan was active in social clubs and became an expert in the playful “Tut” language, which she joyfully shared with her friends and later with her daughters.

A childhood battle with polio was met with resilience and grace, as Joan took up ballet to strengthen her body. She continued to dance and teach into her young adult years. Joan was also a lifeguard at the Riviera Club and later worked in the Department of Administration at Fort Benjamin Harrison. It was a blind date that led her to meet the love of her life, Tom O’Brien; they married in 1952 and began building a beautiful life together.

Joan and Tom were charter members of St. Luke Catholic Church, where they were active parishioners since 1961. Joan was also a longtime member of Meridian Hills Country Club, where she played bridge every Tuesday with her close circle of friends, and she cherished summers at Palisades Park, Michigan, a treasured family tradition since 1978.

While Joan received several honors, including the Dame of the Holy Sepulcher Papal Award and the Indianapolis Athletic Club Foundation’s “President’s Award,” her greatest pride and joy was her family. Known to her family as “Mum Mum,” her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and the ever-growing O’Brien family, which now numbers over 200. Joan is survived by her 14 children, 12 sons and daughters-in-law, 61 grandchildren, 31 grandchildren’s spouses, 81 great-grandchildren, and her beloved dog, “Sweetie.” She held a special place in her heart for Mark and Louise Tyler, who are considered part of the family.

Her children are:

• Kathleen (O’Brien) & Thomas Miller

• Thomas O’Brien & Joanie (Wade)

• Michael O’Brien

• Colleen (O’Brien) & William Scheidler

• Patrick O’Brien & Lyn (McAnally)

• Maureen (O’Brien) & Jeff Kohler

• Kevin O’Brien & Theresa (Burget)

• Eileen (O’Brien) Metzger

• Rosaleen (O’Brien) & Graham Rogers

• Terrence O’Brien & Laura (MacNulty)

• Christeen (O’Brien) & Christopher Paulison

• Charleen (O’Brien) & Greg Lord

• Janeen (O’Brien) & Charles Park

• Timothy O’Brien & Maryanne (Wisler)

The O’Brien family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all the caregivers who have been a part of Joan’s life in recent years; you hold a special place in our hearts.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 8th, from 3:00 to 7:00 pm in the gymnasium at St. Luke Catholic Church, 7575 Holliday Drive, Indianapolis. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 9th, at 10:00 am, also at St. Luke Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor, where Joan was a Guild Member, or St. Luke Catholic Church.