Joan Spindler

Joan Spindler, 86, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated teaching, deep compassion, and a joyful spirit. Born on August 27, 1939, in Indianapolis, Indiana, she was the daughter of Dr. Robert D. and Mary Rosalie (Hobbs) Spindler.

A proud graduate of Shelbyville Indiana High School, Joan earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from DePauw University and a Master’s in Special Education from Northeastern Illinois University. Her life’s calling was education. She spent the majority of her career teaching in the Chicago Public Schools, also taught in Milwaukee, and later used her expertise to open her own Home Tutoring Agency in retirement. Joan was a member of the Lyle, Illinois Unitarian Church.

Deeply devoted to her students with special needs, Joan poured her heart into teaching. Outside of the classroom, she was vibrant and active. She enjoyed music, playing the piano, reading, hiking, and researching family history. She cherished family gatherings at Cedar Lake, Indiana. An avid animal lover, Joan treasured her dogs, Angie and Moses, and even adopted a baby elephant through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her step-mother, Isabel Baer; and her younger sister and brother-in-law, Sarah and Ed Adams, and her nephew Bobby Spindler.

Joan is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Dr. James (Ellarie) Spindler of Hastings, Michigan, along with her nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org/donate) or the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust,25283 Cabot Road, Suite 101, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, (www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/donate).

Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.