Joan Carol Murrell Whelihan

Joan Murrell Whelihan died on August 22, 2024. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland on January 14th, 1936. Joan was the only child of criminal attorney and Maryland’s first Public Defender Alan Hamilton Murrell and Mildred Deering Murrell. She attended and graduated from Baltimore Friends School, Bradford Junior College graduating first in her class, Joan then attended Wellesley College earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Wellesley College.

In 1959, she married Alan Stuart Whelihan. Joan and her husband lived in Philadelphia where she worked for the manager of advertising for the Farm Journal. When her children were born, she stayed home to raise them. Alan and Joan moved to Potomac, Maryland in 1968 and then upon retirement to Frederick Maryland.

Alan and Joan Whelihan were happily married for 65 years until his death. She is survived by her four daughters, Pamela, Deborah, Linda and Jacqueline. She was beloved by her daughters, son-in-law’s Scott and Tom, 7 grandchildren and her great granddaughter.

Joan was principally a homemaker and avid gardener as well as a great cook and music lover. She enjoyed a lifetime of learning, travel, walking, tennis, biking and reading, Joan was always active in her communities. She was an active volunteer in her neighborhood, the children’s schools, WOW, the National Cathedral’s volunteer program, Walter’s Art Gallery in Baltimore and Heritage Frederick.

After raising her children, Joan returned to the work force. She worked for Commercial Credit Corporation and Control Data Corporation where she sold computer programs to associations and Federal Government agencies. After leaving Control Data Corporation, she continued her career in sales in the printing industry for 20 years. In retirement, Joan found her true passion in managing her family’s financial investments.

Joan will be entombed with her husband at Arlington National Cemetery. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.