Joan Richardson Whittaker

Joan Richardson Whittaker, 99, of Denton, Maryland, passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at her home.

Born May 13, 1926, in La Grange, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Allan Barbour Richardson and Lucille Cox Richardson. Joan grew up outside of Chicago, moving to MD in 1945. She attended the Chicago Institute, School of Art; the Maryland Institute, College of Art; and later received an Associate of Arts degree from Anne Arundel Community College.

Joan retired from the Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1991, where she was employed as an Engineering Design Draftsman.

Mrs. Whittaker is survived by one son, John Markwalter, III; two daughters: Mary Day and Suzanne Galasso (Greg); four grandchildren: Matthew Galasso, Kristi Tucker (Charley), Alan Galasso (Amy), and Kati Watts (Wyatt); and eleven great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her brother, Peter Richardson.

Services are private.

Donations in Joan’s memory can be sent to Compass Regional Hospice 160 Coursevall Dr. Centreville, MD 21617.

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