Joan Louise Williams

Joan Louise Williams, of Boise Idaho passed away with her family at her bedside on April 1st, 2022 from complications related to Parkinson’s Disease which she had valiantly fought for the last 50 plus years. Joan was born January 18th, 1944 - the third of four daughters born to Richard and Eva Kenny of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.

Joan attended Immaculata College in the Philadelphia suburbs with an education major and taught elementary education for two years in Upper Darby, PA before she met and married her husband, Gene Williams, a recent Navy veteran who was employed by Hewlett-Packard in Pennsylvania in 1968.

Joan was officially diagnosed with Parkinson’s around the time her two children, Gene Jr and Jennifer Eva were born and she could no longer teach. She was a fighter, and an inspiration to everyone who knew her, with her drive and determination. She was very much the heart of the home and family.

Although physically limited, Joan was as sharp as a tack right up into the end, and enjoyed many diverse interests and hobbies throughout her life. She was an avid reader, an excellent listener, she collected dolls and miniatures and countless other endeavors. Irish music was something she much enjoyed. She was a prime example of how a disabled person, with will and determination, can overcome almost anything.

Joan is survived by her husband, Gene, her sister Eve, her son, Gene Jr. and his wife Jenifer, her daughter, Jenny and her partner Scott, along with her three grandsons, Rhodes, Thomson and Ian and her granddaughter, Erin.

Contributions in memory of Joan can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

A funeral Mass will be held for Joan on May 13, 2022 at 10:00 A.M., at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 707 N. 8th St. Boise ID 83702.