Joan Walker Brittingham LEWES - Joan Walker Brittingham, daughter of the late William E. and Madeline Murch Walker, departed this life Thursday, January 28, 2010, in her Henlopen Acres residence with her family by her side. Joan grew up in Rehoboth Beach and graduated from Rehoboth High School. She enjoyed the small town Rehoboth once was, and often said she had the ideal childhood. She went to St. Mary's College of Maryland, where she was on the field hockey team and was an avid sailor and tennis player. She enjoyed attending reunions and alumni functions over the years and maintained many college friendships. She was a Manager for Quality Care Nursing Service in Georgetown, and later became an Area Manager for Sussex and Kent Counties and in Dover, for Kimberly Quality Care. After her marriage to Walter Brittingham, she did consulting for in-home health care for several years. She then became an instructor at Sussex Tech Adult Division in the Medical Assisting Program, subsequently becoming the Program Coordinator for medical programs. She developed programs to provide trained personnel to the medical community. Many of her students became friends over the years. She was always proud of their many accomplishments. She was co-owner of Community Nurses of Delaware, a home staffing agency. She was a volunteer during her son, Andrew's school years at Rehoboth Elementary School and Sussex Academy. She especially enjoyed field trips. Over the years she had been on advisory boards for VICA, Public Health and Delaware Hospice. She enjoyed the beach and spent many summer days on the family boat "J Walker." Her father taught her to fish at a young age and she enjoyed both saltwater fishing and fresh water fishing. She is survived by her beloved son, Andrew C. Brittingham of Henlopen Acres; her brother, John E. Walker of Bridgeville; nieces and nephews; and her husband, Walter Brittingham. A Celebration of Joan's Life will be 1 p.m. Saturday, February 6, 2010, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes. Friends may call at the funeral home beginning at 12 noon. Friends may also call at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, February 5, 2010. Interment will follow at Epworth Methodist Cemetery, Henlopen Avenue, Rehoboth Beach. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Joan's memory to Tunnell Cancer Center, 424 Savannah Rd., Lewes, DE 19958; or to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963. Sign guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.