Joan Elizabeth Wright

Joan Elizabeth Wright, beloved spouse, mother, grandmother, and friend, made her transition on July 20, 2025 in Indianapolis at the age of 82.

Joan (pronounced Joann) was born to Raymond and Eloise Schaaf on October 19, 1942 in Dale, IN. She graduated from Dale High School and received her BME from Indiana University Bloomington in 1963. It was during her time in Bloomington that she met her husband, Jerry, and they were married the August after graduation.

Joan began her career as a grade school music teacher and also conducted a German singing group in Buffalo, NY. She transitioned to the role of stay-at-home parent until the youngest of her children reached school age, at which time she returned to work outside the home. Her varied experience included positions at the Cumberland Museum of Nashville, TN, Cablevision in Chicago, IL, and the entomology department of Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX. When she moved to Indianapolis in 1986, she returned to teaching choir and general music for the Indianapolis Public Schools until she retired in 1998.

Never one to stay still, after retirement Joan turned her love of numbers into a second career in the mortgage industry, where she worked in loan processing until a second retirement in 2015. She and her husband enjoyed traveling together, including to all 92 counties in Indiana, all 50 states, and halfway around the world from Budapest to Hawaii.

Joan was the consummate hostess, cook, and baker, honing her skills during her decades as a supportive spouse. Highlights include an 11-course Thanksgiving dinner for family, catering her eldest child’s wedding reception, and her own 60th wedding anniversary, plus numerous high teas for intimate groups of friends.

Her greatest joy was her family. Joan is survived by her husband of almost 62 years, Jerry Wright; their three children, Margaret (Dale) Kantz, David (Amy Tabb) Wright, and Mary (Phil) Hobson; grandchildren, Aiden, Jesse, Ryver, and Alexandra; brother, Kenneth (Sally) Schaaf; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her grandson, Patrick Hobson.

A time of gathering and visitation will be held at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary, 11411 N. Michigan Rd, on Tuesday, August 5th from 10 AM – 1 PM which will include a time of sharing in which anyone wishing to may share a remembrance with those gathered.

Memorial contributions may be made to Second Helpings, 1121 Southeastern Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202; Cancer Research Institute, 29 Broadway, Floor 4, New York, NY 10006-3111; or WFYI (PBS), 1630 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46202.

Friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting www.arnmortuary.com.