Joan W. Orr

Joan W. Orr, 89 of Carmel, passed away Thursday, October 9, 2025. Joan was born April 2, 1936 in South Bend, IN to the late Carl R. and Faie C. Whiteman. She was a graduate of Indiana University and received her master’s degree from the University of Kentucky.

Joan was a registered nurse, retiring in 2010 from Eskenazi Hospital. She previously was a nurse at Winona Memorial Hospital. Joan also worked as a adjunct professor and taught at the Indiana University School of Nursing.

Joan attended St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church. She was a huge animal advocate, donating tireless time and energy to the Humane Society for Hamilton County and multiple other fundraisers for animal welfare.

Private family services will be held Friday, October 17 at Hamilton Memorial Park-Lakeview Chapel.

Joan was the widow of Bryan A. Orr. She is survived by her children, Catherine O. “Cathy” Lawrence and Warren A. (wife, Danor) Orr; grandchildren, Kelsey (husband, Tim) Nagel, Lindsey Lawrence, Kaley Orr and Jake Orr; great grandchildren, Brooks and Penny Nagel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society for Hamilton County.