Joan L. Walker

Joan L. Walker, 74 of Carmel, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at her home. Joan was born September 30, 1939 in Bridgton, NJ to the late Frederick and Mary Fritz Reiber. She was valedictorian of her class at Baldwin High School and was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Allegheny College. She received a degree from La Sorbonne at l'Universite' de Paris and a Master's degree from Indiana University as a Woodrow Wilson Fellow. Joan taught French at Butler University and the University of Indianapolis, and later owned and operated Budget Express Signs. She then worked for 20 years in market research at Walker Research and Stone Research. She was an avid reader, a classical music enthusiast, and enjoyed traveling, having visited Paris nine times. Joan was active in Community Theater, performing in such local productions as Miracle on 34th Street and The Crucible. Joan was proud to have completed the Indianapolis 500 Mini Marathon nine times after the age of 60. She loved her community and was a founding volunteer for the local PBS station, Channel 20. Recently, she was active in the Carmel Community and volunteered at the Center for the Performing Arts as an usher and tour guide at the Palladium. She was a true adventurist, taking each of her 7 grandchildren on Elderhostel tours. She was an avid Colts fan and particularly admired Peyton Manning. Family and friends are invited to gather from 10:00am to 12:00 pm on Tuesday, January 7 at Castleton United Methodist Church followed by funeral services at 12:00 pm. Joan is survived by her children, Andy Walker, Scott (wife, Debbie) Walker and Brian (wife, Penny) Walker; grandchildren, Jennifer, Michael, Riley, Lindsey, Avery and Lily; former husband, Gordon D. Walker. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Daniel Walker and sister, Susan Clark. Memorial contributions may be made to Carmel Community Players, Westfield Theater, Center for the Performing Arts or you are asked to do a random act of kindness in memory of Joan.