Joan Marie Belian-Dieschbourg, age 89, passed away on January 20th, 2026, in Albuquerque, NM. Joan was born on December 7th, 1936, in Santa Fe, NM to Paul Belian and Era May Johnson Belian.  She was one of six children. Joan completed high school, married Lucius Marchand, moved to Albuquerque, NM and had three children: Kenneth, Michel, and Renee. She was Nana Joan to six grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Joan lived a full and meaningful life marked by her dedication to her family, a long-standing professional career, a curious mind, a fiercely independent spirit and a wonderful sense of humor. Joan was always interested in seeking a higher education.  At the age of 35, while married and raising three children, she enrolled at UNM and graduated second in her class with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and began her career as a Registered Nurse.  In her early-fifties Joan went back to school and earned her Master of Science degree in Counseling. At age 55, she married James “Jim” Dieschbourg. They affectionately referred to each other as Jimmie D and Joanie D. Joan finished out her career at the UNM Psychiatric Hospital at the age of 75. She was quoted as saying “I needed to retire so that I could learn how to be retired!”

Joan and her husband exercised regularly, took walks together in the park and ate good food! They enjoyed travel and adventure with friends and family. They also had an appreciation for the Arts and often attended programs at Popejoy Hall.  Joan, (AKA Mom, Joanie D, Nana Joan, Friend), you will be dearly missed.  You are and always will be truly loved and will be forever in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring.  Cards and condolences can be mailed or emailed to:

Renee Hanlon

2930 Redburn Dr. 

Ft. Collins, CO 80525

Email:  [email protected]