Joan Walsh

On Sunday, January 13, 2019, Joan C. Walsh, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt entered peacefully into eternal rest at home surrounded by her loving family. Joan will be forever remembered by Peter, her best friend and husband for over 57 years. She is also survived by her children Maura Walsh, Stephen and daughter-in-law Danielle Walsh, Christine Walsh, Karen and son-in-law Clifton Wilcox, Jo Anne and son-in-law Michael Mundt; grandchildren Kamryn and Christian Walsh, Megan Wilcox, and Camille, John, Joseph, Benjamin, Matthew, and Daniel Mundt; brother Mauro Cusce, sister-in-law Ann Marie and brother-in-law Edward Reilly. She is preceded in death by her parents Placido "Joseph" Cusce and Lucia "Lucy" (Toia) Cusce and her sister Carolyn and brother-in-law Michael Lozito.

Born July 15, 1933, Joan was a native of Brooklyn, New York, and resident of Baton Rouge for over forty years. Joan (Giovanna) was named after John the Baptist, the feast day when her mother arrived in the U.S. immigrating from Sicily.  Proud of her heritage and as a first generation American, she had a keen interest in genealogy which led to her becoming the keeper of the family history with historical data filling over 30 binders in her office. Joan and Peter loved to travel, having lived in Europe when their children were young, including a move to Greece with four children aged three and younger and pregnant with her fifth child (and no twins!). Joan was the heart of the home and was an amazing cook who loved to host and serve others. Everyone was welcomed and brought into the circle of family by her. She was the epitome of style and grace with a huge heart and an ever-present smile. Her ready laughter was contagious and she had a great sense of humor. As an expert in the “look it up” club, her intelligence knew no bounds. She was always ready with a hug and her shining light drew people to tell her their life stories, even strangers. She would pray for them, even in the middle of a grocery store, and keep them on her prayer line. You knew if Joan had you in her prayers, you were good, especially because she would go back and underline or, in urgent cases, change to caps to get God’s attention. She was a “second mother” to countless and taught others what a true and Godly family life was, by way of example rather than preaching. For her, family went beyond the walls of her house.

Joan lived an adventurous life in the fullness of her faith, free from the constraints of age, disease, or hardships of life. Her legacy motto stands as “I don’t have time for this.” She never stopped moving, taught tai chi and yoga, and she and Pete were always the best dancers on the dance floor.

Joan was a person of great faith and spirituality who gave of herself very generously. She was a very active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church's parish. She truly lived her faith every day and was an inspiration to all. She impacted so many lives with her gentle ways and motherly care. We will never forget her beautiful heart. She will be greatly missed, but we know she is at peace in the loving arms of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Visitation will be at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy. Baton Rouge, LA 70816 on Friday, January 18, 2019 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Visitation will continue on Saturday, January 19 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 12424 Brogdon Ln, Baton Rouge, LA 70816 from 10:00 am until funeral services at 11:00 am. Rev. Michael Miceli to preside. Reception will immediately follow.

The family thanks the medical community and all those who offered assistance, love and support during this journey.