Joan E. Stanley

GRANGER-Joan E. Stanley, 87, passed away peacefully July 11, 2022. Born November 16, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Bruno and Marie Rose (Ziembowicz) Spiewak. On June 15, 1957, Joan married the love of her life, Richard Stanley. He preceded her in death in 2002. She was also preceded in death by two siblings, Bruno Spiewak and Marie Janeczko. Joan was born and raised in Chicago Illinois. She worked her way through college as a tour guide for the Lincoln Park Zoo under the direction of Marlin Perkins (later to become the host of the TV program Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom) and the famous king of the zoo "Leo the Lion". She graduated from DePaul University and jumped right into teaching. She began and ended her career as a PE teacher, working in Illinois, Iowa and Indiana. Her tenure in Indiana included 2 years at St Joe High School teaching girls PE before she moved over to St. Anthony's de Padua to eventually teach PE to kindergarten through 8th students. Kids and sports were her passion, and she dearly loved every child she encountered. She devoted her life to these kids and insisted that they taught her more than she taught them. She was known for her uncanny ability to whistle extremely loud with her fingers and rarely needed to use the whistle around her neck. She has strict rules when warming up for gym class and her students knew not to cut corners when running laps in the gym or during the infamous "Presidents Run" around the school grounds. That was a no-no and they would hear about it! She coached many sports including softball and volleyball. She is also credited with starting and coaching the ICCL girls track program. She developed and ran the Perceptual Motor Program at St. Anthony's, which was designed to improve the children’s fitness, balance, hand-eye coordination, gross motor skills, and self-confidence. She was an avid golfer, a very talented bowler (earning numerous individual and team championships), an umpire for ICCL girls' softball and even did a stint as head umpire for Eastside Little League. Among all of this, she also worked at Morris Park Country Club 20 years, was a member of the Daughters of Isabella, and was a devoted volunteered at Christ Child. In her spare time, she made sure all 4 of her kids got to every practice, concert, play or event and never missed a game. Her voice was unmistakable, cheering loudly for the team and her kids. Her station wagon was often filled with not only her children, but many others as she drove them to school or sports. Family dinners were very important to her, and Sundays were extra special. Ensuring the family was together for meals was a priority! She loved music and if songs were playing, she was dancing. Mom and Dad often took over a dance floor at weddings, performing the jitterbug, foxtrot, rumba, and polka. Even in later years, neither a cane, walker or wheelchair could stop her from dancing! Joan was a legend at St. Anthony's de Padua Catholic School and concluded her teaching run in 2008 where she taught for 37 years, retiring at the age of 73. Her retirement celebration even gathered the interest of the local newspaper and TV stations. A tree was planted in her honor at the school. Joan was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandma. Left to cherish her memory are four children: Richard (Diane) Stanley of Granger, Jodi (Patrick) Wilson of Granger, Sandi (Mark) Carter of Indianapolis and Chris Stanley (Jennifer) of Frisco, TX; 10 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 18th from 4PM to 7PM (the Rosary will be prayed at 4PM) at the McGann Hay, Granger Chapel, 13260 SR 23, enter off Cherry Rd. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 19th with visitation in the church at 11 AM, followed by mass at noon, at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Anthony's Tuition Fund.To send private condolences, please visit: http://www.mcgannhay.com/condolences.html