Joan Ann Lance

(January 25, 1939 – June 30, 2021)

Although we always called her "Joannie," she was born in 1939 as Joan Ann Kerns in Cincinnati, Ohio just before the second World War. Her parents were Lillian and Lester Kerns, and her younger much-loved sister was Carolyn Jean Kerns (later Jones). She grew up in the eastern suburbs of Cincinnati where she attended the public school system and graduated from Withrow High School. As a schoolgirl, Joannie developed a particularly close relationship with her teachers at Oakley Elementary School, and those teachers helped her attend Miami University in Oxford, Ohio on a scholarship where she earned a degree in teaching.

Joannie was a good student and really enjoyed her time at Miami where she made many friends who are now scattered all over the midwest. After graduation, she began her career in teaching and nurturing second grade children in her beloved Oakley School in Cincinnati. Although Joannie eventually went on to teach everything from pre-school to 5 ^th grade, she always had a soft spot in her heart for those 2 ^nd graders.

She was married in October 1963 to Gordon Lance (Gordie), a schoolmate from Withrow who was the love of her life. She continued to teach as long as she could until her first child Daniel (Dan) was born in 1965. She was a loving and devoted mother, as she was with her second child Cynthia (Cindy).

She began the first of her family moves in 1967 when Gordon began a job with the State of Indiana. The move to Indianapolis, and eventually the growing suburb of Carmel, was an adventure, and Joannie made many new friends and interests in Indiana, including a stint as a high school girls soccer coach. She continued to teach when she could feather it in with her family duties. Her family took many trips to parks, historical areas and southeastern beaches. Joannie always saw to it that her family was fed properly and had the right kind of sunscreen.

In 1983, Gordon switched jobs from the State of Indiana to the US Army Corps of Engineers and the whole family moved to Louisville, Kentucky. Joannie did a splendid job of relocating the family (which now included two dogs) to their new home. Her kids finished their high school careers in Kentucky and moved on to the university phase of their lives. Dan went to Purdue and Cindy to the University of Louisville. Dan earned a degree in Engineering from Purdue followed by a medical degree from the University of Louisville to become a doctor. Cindy earned both a Bachelors of Arts degree in English and a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Louisville and became a practicing attorney. All of these achievements were due, in part, to the loving care and guidance of their mother.

Kentucky is a beautiful and interesting state and Joannie and Gordie enjoyed many little vacations while they were there. Yet, after a decade in Kentucky, Joannie and Gordie moved for a short stint back to Cincinnati where they were thrilled to be reunited with many good friends. That move was followed by another relocation to Overland Park, Kansas as Gordon's job focus changed from the Ohio River to the Missouri River. Joannie had a lovely home in Overland Park, which she decorated with great skill. The home was spacious and well lit. It was located in a part of town where there were ample cultural activities and shopping available. Joannie took advantage of as many of these opportunities as she could. Now at ease with the children gone, and with Gordon retired, her life pace slowed down. Joanie's final move was to Prospect Heights in Chicago to be near her daughter.

Unfortunately, Joannie was plagued with health issues all her adult life which included four operations on her knees, as well as various challenges and procedures scattered throughout her life. She always came out of these incidents with charm and grace. Her ability to recover and move on with her life was amazing to all, and she was considered to be "one tough lady." Her health issues eventually wore her down and compromised her ability to lead the type of life she wanted to. Sadly, Joannie passed away on June 30, 2021 at the age of 82.

She left us all with a shining example of love for her family, and all the kids and others she came into. She loved beauty, art, music and the finer things of life, but she especially loved her devoted and loving husband Gordie who never left her side. All who knew her, loved and respected her.

Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.