Joan T. Lindsey passed away in her home on September 16, 2015 with her husband by her side, 7 days after their sixty-sixth wedding anniversary. Joan's parents, Joseph and Jennie Thomas raised her in Wilmington, California. Joan had perfect attendance from kindergarten through her high school graduation from Banning High in 1946. Later that year the family moved to Long Beach where Joan enrolled in LBCC. It was there that she met her husband Mel E. Lindsey, a WWII Navy veteran. They were married on September 9, 1949. Living several places in Long Beach they raised their two daughters, Debbie and Kathy, who both graduated from Poly High School. Joan and Mel were both Brownie Troop Leaders, active in the PTA and church and members of the Mission Possible Group. Joan was kind, warm, loving and caring. In addition to being a loving wife, mom and grandma, she was also an incredible friend, and held dear her sisters from Delta Theta Tau. She enjoyed organizing things, gardening, playing the piano, eating at Bake and Broil and meeting with friends at the neighborhood Coffee shop. Joan's interest in real estate lead them on some real working adventures. Over the years Joan worked for the Assessor's Office of City of L.B., Douglas Air Craft, Fenn Termite Control and California Heights United Methodist Church. When Mel retired from the LBUSD in 1986, Joan and Mel founded Giant Step Learning Center in Costa Mesa. Both were actively involved with the day to day operations for 19 years. Debbie joined them as a teacher following the birth her daughter Jenna. In 1992 they opened Giant Step School Age Center at Damron Elementary in Cypress. Joan managed all financial aspects and student record keeping for both programs. Joan and Mel retired again in 2005. It was in 2009 when Joan's medical journey began. For the next 7 years she "handled" everything in her quiet, non-complaining and strong manner. Mel gave her the title of "Wonder Woman." She was supported by friends, family and the wonderful physicians and staff at Memorial and Irvine Medical Centers. She is survived by her husband Mel, daughters Debbie and Kathy, granddaughter Jenna and Carole Woodman, whom she loved like a sister. Services will be held at Forest Lawn, in Cypress on Saturday, September 26 at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity. Please sign the guest book at www.PressTelegram.com and www.Forestlawn.com
