JOAN W. BROWN June 26, 1935 – July 28, 2026
Joan Beth Warrick was born on June 26, 1935, in Bayard Nebraska, the daughter of Ted and Mary (Whitman) Warrick.
She resided in Nebraska, married Duane W. Smith and then moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico in 1959.
They had two daughters, Kimberly Jo and Kelly Jean.
Joan chose to work only part-time for 30 years, 16 with the Los Alamos Public Schools and 14 with the Los Alamos National Laboratory, so she could spend quality time making memories with her family.
After losing her husband of nearly 25 years, she began a new chapter with Don Brown and helped finish raising his two children, Eric and Shelley, after their own mother died.
Joan’s passion for music began with piano lessons at age 5 all the way through college and continued throughout her life. She loved her piano quartet that met at her home every week for over 20 years. The Hot Flashes, as they named themselves, entertained at home recitals, churches, as well as several benefits for the University of New Mexico-Los Alamos and the Brown Bag concert at Fuller Lodge. On a more personal and intimate note, Joan performed countless private birthday recitals for many friends.
Another joy in Joan’s life was P.E.O. Over the years, she held all of the offices, enjoyed working on committees and hosting many, many meetings and social times at her home. The compassion and closeness of the chapter was huge in her life.
Volunteering was a large part of Joan’s life as well. At the United Church of Los Alamos she engaged on boards and committees, plus sang in the choir and played piano for services, weddings and memorials. She worked in the church’s Thrift Shop and was always active in any type of member visitation.
Reach to Recovery is a national program for women who have breast cancer, and as a 2 time cancer survivor, Joan took this training to help others.
Joan volunteered with national/state groups of volunteers to endeavor to have End of Life issues made easier and with more legal choices. She attended a number of state meetings and helped with local meetings by having events in her home.
She was proud of Los Alamos and loyal to its activities by shopping locally, participating on County committees, supporting the public schools, promoting local musicians and helping to create an endowment for the Duane W. Smith Auditorium. Because of her civic mindedness, she was awarded the Living Treasure Award in 2017.
Entertaining was another of her joys. Many meals, luncheons, coffees and teas brightened many a birthday for family and friends and especially at the holidays.
Joan was preceded in death by both her parents, Ted and Mary Warrick, her first husband, Duane Smith, her second husband, Don Brown, her daughter, Kimberly Smith-Nilsson and countless friends. She leaves behind her daughter, Kelly Myers (Steve Myers), son-in-law Alan Nilsson, stepson Eric Brown (Beth Brown), stepdaughter Shelley Newman (Jim Newman), grandchildren Jim Myers, Thea Nilsson (Shane Bridges), Emma Abata (Brian Abata) and Johanna Nilsson and great-grandchildren Magik Abata and Calvin Bridges. Family and friends will miss Joan very, very much.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to either:
The United Church of Los Alamos
2525 Canyon Rd., Suite A
Los Alamos, NM 87544
Or
The Los Alamos Community Foundation
Endowment for Duane Smith Auditorium
P.O.’s Box 1225
Los Alamos, NM 87544
Joan’s Memorial service will be held at the United Church of Los Alamos on November 28, 2026.
