Longtime Denver resident Joan Kathleen Pedersen Rich passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, at the age of 83. 

Joan was born in Nebraska to Stanley Pedersen and Marguerite Manthey Pedersen. She grew up in Nebraska and attended Grinnell College in Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She later attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, receiving a Master's degree in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. 

Joan enjoyed a long and rewarding career as a speech-language pathologist in Ohio and Denver, Colorado. Throughout her career she worked in hospitals, schools, home health, and private practice, helping countless children and adults communicate more effectively. She especially found it meaningful to volunteer with programs that provided frozen meals to those in need. Her kindness, patience, and encouragement touched countless lives, and many who found their voice through her work may never have realized the lasting difference she made. 

Joan was an active member of Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, where she served as an elder, deacon, and Sunday School teacher. She sang in the Westminster Choir and the Montview Ringers handbell choir and served two terms on the Board of Managers at Montview Manor, the senior living community founded by the church. Joan and her husband, Dael Baird Rich, moved to Montview Manor in 2004 and cherished the friendships and sense of community they found there. 

Family was at the heart of Joan's life, whether during large holiday gatherings or ordinary days together. She enjoyed reading, gardening, exercising, walking in nearby parks, and playing the piano. 

Joan married Dael Baird Rich in February 1978. Together they shared 48 years of marriage, building a life centered on family, friends, and service to others. 

Joan is survived by her husband, Dael Baird Rich; two her sons, Paul Rich, Michael Rich and his wife Paula; her granddaughter, Alice Rich; her sister, Janet Pedersen Karp; and her brother, Keith Pedersen. She was preceded in death by her parents. 

A memorial service will be held on August 8, 2026, 10:00 am at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia Street, Denver, Colorado. A reception will follow immediately after the service.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joan's memory may be made to Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, Montview Manor, or Havern School.

Joan lived a life of quiet faith, generosity, and deep love for her family. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness that will continue in the lives of those she served, loved, and encouraged.