Joan Tipery Akin

Joan Tipery Akin was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 3, 1945 to Joseph and Anna Tipery. Her father, Joseph William Tipery, immigrated from Rome, Italy. He was a professional photographer and owned Tipery Studios on Camp Street in New Orleans. Her mother, Anna Clesi Tipery was 2nd generation born of Sicilian immigrants from Contessa Entellina, Sicily. Her wonderful parents raised she and her younger sister Susan Tipery Deter of Houston, Texas in the Catholic faith. She attended Ursuline Academy where she was able to foster her love of theatre. She then attended Loyola University of New Orleans where she earned a Bachelors in English. It was during this time where she met the love of her life, Richard Kelly Akin. They married in 1967 and had two children, Richard Tipery Akin, D.D.S., M.D. of Baton Rouge and Kelly Akin Gilley of Sandy Springs, Georgia. Her children's spouses, Bridget Stampley Akin and Matthew Gilley are remarkable parents and life partners. Her children blessed Richard and Joan with 6 grandchildren, Sarah, Julia, Rich, Jason, Tyler and Anna. Joan worked at Tipery Studios for many years alongside her father. Later in life she began working at Martin Insurance Agency where she worked for over 25 years. Joan was always generous with her time, talents and treasure. She was an active volunteer in her children's schools. She volunteered with many organizations over the years, including participating on the board of Lutheran High School. She donated her time to countless charities and especially enjoyed helping with those that were less fortunate.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 105 Bonnabel Blvd, Metairie on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 11:30am. Public visitation is from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be in Metairie Cemetery, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans.

To view and sign the Funeral Guest Book online, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, 1000 Howard Avenue, Suite 200, New Orleans, LA 70113, 504/310-6865, www.CCANO.org