About This Memory Space
This page was created for Joan W. Orr's family and friends as a place to remember them, to share stories, and to keep their memory close in everyday life.
It is cared for and added to over time by the people who knew them, and everyone is invited to contribute, whether that is a story, a photo, a few words, or a simple note.
Many families visit places like this not just once, but again and again, especially on quiet days or meaningful anniversaries. This page is here for those moments, wherever you are.
A place to return to when you want to feel close again, to remember a moment, or to leave a few words for others to read. Over time, it grows through the voices of everyone who knew and loved them.
Light a Candle Growing
Light a candle to honor Joan W. Orr's memory. Each lighting keeps their memory burning bright for 23 hours.
Candle lit burns 23 hours. Come back and light it again after 23 hours to keep the memory burning.
Limited to 5 lightings per hour to prevent abuse.
Memory Wall Growing
Stories, photos, and memories shared by people who knew Joan W. Orr. This is the heart of this space—a collection that grows as more people contribute.
No memories posted yet. Be the first to share a story or memory.
Life & Legacy
Joan W. Orr devoted her life to healing others—both people and animals—leaving behind a legacy of compassion, education, and unwavering advocacy that inspired her community in Carmel and beyond.
Born in South Bend, Indiana, to Carl R. and Faie C. Whiteman, Joan pursued a path marked by intellectual curiosity and service. She earned her undergraduate degree from Indiana University before advancing her expertise with a master's from the University of Kentucky. Throughout her journey, faith played a central role, as she actively participated in St. Christopher's Episcopal Church. Yet it was her boundless passion for animal welfare that truly defined her spirit, pouring endless effort into the Humane Society for Hamilton County and numerous related causes.
Joan's professional life centered on nursing and mentorship. She served as a registered nurse at Winona Memorial Hospital and later at Eskenazi Hospital, from which she retired in 2010. Beyond bedside care, she enriched the field as an adjunct professor at the Indiana University School of Nursing, shaping future generations of caregivers with her knowledge and dedication.
Family & Loved Ones
Joan's world revolved around the joys of nurturing her loved ones, from heartfelt conversations with her daughter Catherine 'Cathy' Lawrence and son Warren A. Orr (and his wife Danor) to celebrating milestones with grandchildren Kelsey Nagel (and her husband Tim), Lindsey Lawrence, Kaley Orr, and Jake Orr, plus great-grandchildren Brooks and Penny Nagel. A widow of Bryan A. Orr, she infused every family moment with her signature kindness and quiet strength, always the one to offer comfort or share a story that brought everyone closer.
Remembered by Friends & Family
Tributes from Joan's circle capture a woman whose gentle resolve and generosity left an indelible mark, with many recalling her fierce commitment to animals and her nurturing touch in both professional and personal spheres.
For those looking for service information