Mazel Tov to Joan Walker: Jewish Pavilion Senior Services Volunteer of the Year

Caring about others is at the heart of Jewish Pavilion Senior Services (JPSS). By enriching the lives of Jewish seniors in elder care through one-on-one visitations and holiday celebrations, JPSS connects Jewish elders to their cultural heritage. To do so takes extraordinary, dedicated volunteers such as Joan Walker, who will be honored as the JPSS Volunteer of the Year at the JP Connections luncheon on December 2. 

At home in Lake Mary with husband Harrison, Joan reflects on her Jewish values and why this award is so meaningful to her.  

“The small town where I grew up outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania did not have many Jewish families, so we’d travel to Cherry Hill, New Jersey to attend synagogue,” says Joan. “My brother, sister, and I grew up Reform Jewish. We were observant in the sense that we celebrated the Jewish holidays. My mother made traditional foods and an amazing matzo ball soup.”

Joan attended the University of Pittsburgh, receiving her bachelor of science degree in elementary education and then teaching remedial math and reading for 12 years. In 2001, Joan made a life-changing move, heading to Florida where she had friends and family. For the next 15 years, she built a successful career with a company that facilitated online degree programs. 

“As an executive manager, I helped enroll students seeking to earn their college or master’s degrees,” says Joan. “That job brought me back to working with students, which I loved.”

When a luxury senior community opened in Lake Mary, Joan encouraged her mother Phyllis to move there so they could be closer to one another. It was there that Joan became familiar with JPSS and the wonderful Shabbat services her mother raved about. 

“Often, I’d go to services, finding dozens of residents in attendance,” says Joan. “My mother was delighted to introduce me to her special friend, Gloria Newberger, (mother of Nancy Ludin, CEO/Executive Director of Jewish Pavilion Senior Services). Gloria was the hospitality person for the residents, welcoming everyone, Jewish and non-Jewish, to join in Shabbat and holiday celebrations. 

“In 2020, when my mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, I resigned from my job to take care of her,” continues Joan. “For the next two years, she lived with us in our home. When she passed, I longed for a meaningful way to honor her memory. That’s when Nancy suggested I consider volunteering with JPSS. I didn’t expect it would be long-term, but once I started, I was hooked.” 

“Spending time with Jewish elders at various residences just pulled me in,” adds Joan. “I came to see how much it means to the seniors I visit. They love sharing stories about their lives and are so appreciative to have someone listen to them. In some cases, I am the only visitor they have.” 

Joan has another excellent reason for enjoying senior visitations. It’s Uncle Herb Maneloveg, her mother’s brother. At 100, he looks forward to spending time with Joan, who visits him every Shabbat at his senior living community.

“He has spread the word about my Volunteer of the Year award and now all his friends want to come to the event,” she laughs. 

Joan says volunteering for Jewish Pavilion Senior Services has given her a special gift. 

“It’s turned out to be a wonderful way to honor my mother’s memory,” she says. “I encourage others to volunteer. They’ll get as much out of it as the seniors do.”

Info to box:
The JP Connections event will be at 11:00 a.m. December 2 in the ballroom at Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs, 350 Northlake Boulevard, Altamonte Springs. The Friends of the Jewish Pavilion will honor Joan Walker as Volunteer of the Year. 

The event will also feature a gourmet luncheon, a holiday shopping bazaar with an array of vendors, and raffle prizes. Tickets are $35 per person. Vendor booths are $100. For details, contact Nancy Ludin at 407-678-9363.