Joan Ward Black

Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Raymond J. Black; her parents, Lynn and Edna Ward; her sisters, Letty Ward and Mary Ward Gros; and her brother-in-law, Donald Gros.

She is survived by her three sons, David Moreau (Rosalyn), Daryl Moreau (Jill), and Doug Moreau; her two grandchildren, Adam Moreau (Cory) and Hannah Moreau; her three nephews, Ward Gros (Anita), John Gros (Becky), and Andrew Gros (Alison); her niece, Donna Bourgeois (Randy); her great nieces, Rachel and Emily Ribando-Gros, Jennifer Quigley, Camille Gros, and Cecile Gros; her great nephews, Joseph and Jacob Quigley, Paul Gros, and Drew Gros; and cousin, Donald Brinkman (Charlene).

Joan was born in New Orleans on September 10, 1935. She graduated from Sacred Heart of Jesus High School, class of 1953, and, growing up in Mid City, attended her grammar school years at St. Anthony of Padua, class of 1949. She worked for the Veterans Administration Medical Center, holding numerous positions from 1956 until 1992. She was an active parishioner of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, while also maintaining her close association with other members of the Padua 20s. Keeping her close relationship with valued friends, she also loved to coordinate lunches with former classmates and work colleagues.

Joan’s love for her pets remained constant throughout her life, eventually leading her to volunteer with Animal Rescue New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. In addition she enjoyed gardening, refinishing antique furniture, and researching family history. She was an avid fan of professional tennis and men’s and women’s basketball.

Joan’s constant presence in the lives of many allowed her to possess an uncanny ability to assess situations and offer her guidance with heartfelt honesty, forthrightness and sincerity. To all who knew her closely, she was a cherished confidant, mentor and friend.

Joan often welcomed family and friends and was never known to throw a bad party. Her home was the place to be. Joan dedicated her life to family with the hallmark of it being the love of her three sons.

The family extends its appreciation and gratitude to lifelong friend Katie Wills and to Drs. Andrea and Luis Espinoza for their personal and loving care, concern, and attention for our mother.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass in the chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 2:00PM. A visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 12:00PM. The interment will follow the Mass at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joan’s memory to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church or Animal Rescue New Orleans.

To view and sign the online guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com