Joan Edith Beard passed away peacefully on Friday 28th December 2012 aged 82, having courageously lived with Parkinson's disease for many years. 

Renowned and active former resident of Great Baddow and Chelmsford. Parish Councillor, Essex County Councillor and Chairman, Founder of the Chelmsford Dyslexia Institute ( Action) and a leading member of the British and Essex Dyslexia Associations. 

In her early years, Joan trained and served as a nurse at the Royal London Hospital commencing January 1949, was a founding Samaritan and latterly a progressive member of MIND.

She received an honourary degree from Ruskins University, for her leadership in the community, her advancement and contribution towards education and mental health, especially via her work in the organisations involving Dyslexia and MIND. 

Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 16 years ago, she became a member and supporter of Parkinson's Uk and ultimately left her brain to Parkinson's neuro science research, in the hope of helping to further the understanding of the disease to aid others.

A devoted wife, caring for John Vincent Beard who pre-deceased her in 2011 with Alzheimers, she leaves an extensive family who will miss her dearly.

I would like to say a VERY BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has donated to this page or directly to Parkinson's Uk on behalf of our Mother, Joan Beard. I know that this charity was very close to her heart and she would be most appreciative and humbled by all the support