Joan Stratyner

Joan Teresia Marie Shea Stratyner passed away on April 6, 2023, after a battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. She was born on August 17, 1949, the daughter of Mary Commons Shea and Daniel Shea. She grew up on the east side of Indianapolis and graduated from Our Lady of Grace Academy in 1967. She married Allen Cedric Stratyner in Indianapolis on July 6, 1973. Joan worked for many years in payroll at Methodist Hospital before and after the birth of her daughter, Sarah Shea Stratyner, in 1985.

A life-long music devotee, Joan could play the piano by ear at the age of three. She studied music theory and continued to play throughout her youth and adulthood. She shared this love for music with her husband, Allen, a long-time harmonica player and performer. Whether it was gifting records to family and friends, or going to concerts with her daughter, Joan's love was often felt through music. This same warmth radiated from the food she loved to cook for others. No celebration was complete without her famous cheeseball. She enjoyed paying homage to her husband's heritage by cooking traditional Jewish foods like holiday latkes, "Jewish penicillin" chicken soup, and her dear mother-in-law's cheesecake.

Joan was an active community volunteer. She regularly made snacks for A Caring Place Adult Daycare. She also collected food for local pantries and took care in separating vegan options. Her devotion to giving was apparent to all. She was passionate about making those around her feel heard and loved. She truly lived for others. Her care extended beyond humans, as she joined her daughter in becoming a vegan during the last three years of her life.
The relationship Joan had with her daughter, Sarah, was noteworthy. They often procured vegan ingredients to make beautiful meals together. Their adventures still linger, from echoes of glee on Disney World rides, to the faint smells of sweetness while handing out full-size candy bars on Halloween. Joan often said her greatest joy in life was being Sarah's mother.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Daniel Shea; her grandparents who helped raise her, Teresia "Mom" and Michael "Daddy Mike" Commons; and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Hedy and Isadore Stratyner. She is survived by her husband of almost 50 years, Allen Stratyner; daughter, Sarah Stratyner; brother, Daniel Shea; sisters, Donna Shea Hostettler and Patricia Shea Redmond; brothers-in-law, Fred Hostettler and Richard Redmond; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Harris and Lynn Stratyner; nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and her loyal dog, Pigeon.

A memorial celebration will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Farm Animal Refuge, Orphan Kitten Club, or The Humane Society of Indianapolis. Newcomer Funeral Home in Indianapolis is honored to handle Joan's cremation arrangements.