Joan Marie Walters

Joan Marie Walters, 86, formerly of Bonnet Shores, RI and Darien, CT, passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2011 in Prescott, AZ. Joan was born August 5, 1924 in Providence. She was the wife of the late Gerard E. Walters. Joan was the first daughter of the late Dr. John J. and Angela (Collins) Gilbert. She grew up in Providence and has spent summers in Bonnet Shores since the 1930s. Joan was a founder member of the Dunes Club in Narragansett. She was a graduate of the Lincoln School in Providence, Class of 1942. Joan graduated Summa Cum Laude in Economics from Radcliffe College in 1946 and went on to earn her Masters in Economics in '48 and Doctorate in '50 from Harvard University.
Joan married Gerard Bucky Walters on November 24, 1956 at the Biltmore Hotel, Providence. In 1964, Joan and Gerard moved to Darien, CT. Joan Walters was the first female professor to be hired by Fairfield University, a Jesuit university located in Fairfield, CT in 1963. She was the chairperson of the Economics department and was recognized as an expert in money and banking. In 1994 she was awarded a distinguished faculty award in recognition of her thirty-one years as a faculty member.
Joan and Gerard had five children: Gerard G. Rod Walters and his wife Noel of San Mateo, CA and their four daughters, Alexandra, Claire, Caroline, and Grace. Timothy J. Walters and his wife Wendy of Newton, MA and their daughters Lindsey and Kylie. Julie Stukenberg and her husband Les of Prescott Valley, AZ and Julies two sons Max and Josh and Julie and Less daughter Sophia, Elaine Walters of San Francisco, CA, Joanna Walters of Truckee, CA. Joan is also survived by her sister Ann Putnam of Scottsdale, AZ. She was predeceased by her two brothers James and Jack Gilbert.

Service:
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in St. Veronica Chapel, 1035 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket. VISITING HOURS Friday 6-8 p.m. in the Nardolillo Funeral Home, SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 1111 Boston Neck Road, (Rt.1A), Narragansett. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joans honor, may be made to the: Dr. Joan Walters Scholarship Fund, C/O Fairfield University, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.