Joan Carole Young

Joan Carole Young

75, of Indianapolis, Indiana, lived a life of "Hope, Faith and Love." She peacefully passed away on October 3, 2015 at her daughter's home in Carmel, IN surrounded by love. She courageously battled cancer 12 times since 1997. She epitomized a true fighter with grace and strength who inspired others with her cheerfulness and determination. She was born on January 4, 1940 in Escanaba, Michigan to Wesley Ward and Gladys (Wickman) Hansen. Joan graduated with lifelong friends from Escanaba High School in 1958 where she was a cheerleader and played the flute.  She earned her bachelor's degree from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan where she met her husband George and soon moved to Dallas, Texas.

Joan's love of life was filled with service, dedication and stewardship. She was the Dean of Women at Greenhill School in Dallas, TX and privately tutored students. In 1972 she became the headmaster's wife at Park Tudor School in Indianapolis, IN until 1986 where she was famous for her entertaining. Joan put a personal spin on all functions serving dishes made with her own recipes. She was beloved by the faculty, students and parents. She instituted "Sundaes with the Headmaster" - a tradition that still exists. Joan's love of entertaining and taking care of those around her was infamous. Even when people would visit her recently in the hospital she was always wanting to take care of them. A truly selfless woman with a positive spirit. The selflessness made everyone who ever encountered Joan instantly fall in love with her.

She was a real estate agent with the F.C. Tucker Company for 33 years, beginning as a hobby in 1983. Tucker Hawkins, Office Manager said, "Joan was recognized by clients and her peers as one of the very best professionals and real estate agents in the state. She will be greatly missed by all of her colleagues and friends at Tucker'!  Joan was a Vice President of Sales and a life member of the President's Club.

Joan's faith guided her in every facet of her life. She was an avid member of Second Presbyterian Church, member of the Great Banquet Community, Children's Museum Guild, Christamore House Guild, Co-founder of the Book and Author Luncheon - a special tradition that she brought from Dallas, Texas that is in its 33rd year. Joan loved to golf and was a member of Meridian Hills Country Club. Joan treasured to travel and take in local culture, foods and drinks with her friends, family and especially her daughter.

Joan's truest passion was for family. She was a devoted sister, daughter, aunt and wife. She was the finest mother that any daughter could ever ask for and became her best friend, travel companion and life-long inspiration. She made sure that her only child was surrounded by her cousins, aunts, and uncles so that she would have an extremely close extended family. Joan also included in her extended family friends who were always included in holiday celebrations.

She is survived by her husband George of 53 years; and daughter, Cara (Rick). Joan always believed in Hope and finally received her long awaited granddaughter, Hope; "bonus" grandsons, Grant and Pierce; her brothers, Jerry (Betty), and Jim (Pam) Hansen; 21 nieces and nephews; and 18 great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers, John and Richard; and her parents, Wesley and Gladys Hansen of Escanaba, Michigan.

Memorial service will be held on October 16, 2015 at Second Presbyterian Church with the visitation at 10:00 a.m. in the parlor followed by memorial service at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Heroes Foundation, Park Tudor School, Second Presbyterian Church or Leukemia And Lymphoma Society.