Lindsey Donna Noonan

Lindsey was an award-winning educator whose 54-year teaching career shaped the lives of thousands of children and families. Teaching was not simply her profession; it was her passion. Many of her former students later requested that their own children be placed in her class—a testament to the lasting trust and love she built through decades of service.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, California ultimately became her home, where she pursued her enthusiasm for education. While studying at California State University, Long Beach, she met Gregory Noonan, a fellow elementary education student. After just two dates, Greg proposed, and the two shared a two-year engagement while finishing college. 1969 became a defining year: Lindsey and Greg earned their degrees, married on August 16, and together they began a lifelong partnership in both marriage and education.

Lindsey taught Kindergarten for 34 years in Orange, California, and later Pre-K for 20 years in Elgin, Texas. Her favorite years were the five she spent co-teaching Kindergarten alongside her husband in California, sharing one classroom and countless joyful moments with their students. Their classroom was called “Noonanville,” and many wanted their children in this special place. Later, when Lindsey taught Pre-K in Texas, Greg—having retired—volunteered daily in her classroom, continuing their shared devotion to children and learning.

Throughout her career, Lindsey achieved extraordinary professional distinction. She furthered her education with a Master of Science in Education Administration at California State University, Fullerton, completed the first year of a Doctorate of Philosophy degree, and earned multiple state and national teaching credentials in English-as-a-Second Language, as well as teaching students who are Gifted/Talented. Lindsey was a National Board Certified Teacher, the most respected professional certification available in education, and a recipient of numerous honors, including the NBC News Crystal Apple Award, a California recognition for excellence in education, and the Austin Child Guidance Center’s Phyllis Richards Austin Icon for Youth Award finalist. In 2022, she became a member of the H-E-B Hall of Fame by winning the Lifetime Achievement Elementary distinction, which included a $62,000 award. True to who she was, Lindsey used those funds for her school community—a digital marquee; ice makers, refrigerators, and microwaves for the teachers; a shredder for the office; supplies for the school’s gardening club to learn how to grow their own food; Pre-K graduation gowns; and canopies for the teachers and parents to use during special events like Field Day. Her legacy lives on not only in people and inspiring others to become teachers, but in tangible gifts that continue to serve others.

A two-time cancer survivor, Lindsey met every challenge with courage, optimism, and grace. Even in her final days, she continued offering encouragement and kindness, sharing positive words with friends and loved ones via texts and social media comments, even though her own health was failing her. Lindsey’s love of teaching was unsurpassed. When she and Greg retired from education in California to be closer to their only child and future son-in-law, she finished the academic year in May in California and started her teaching career in Texas that August. Teaching was her mission, and she fully intended to return to her same classroom near the marquee she provided to the school as soon as her treatment was complete.

Beyond the classroom, Lindsey’s greatest joys were her family. She was the best friend and steadfast partner of her husband, Greg, who was by her side 24/7 during her entire health battles, and a devoted mother to her daughter, Dr. Coral Noonan-Terry, whom she named after her favorite college roommate. Lindsey lovingly supported Coral’s baton-twirling journey—watching nightly practices, hand-sewing costumes and dresses, and meticulously stitching each rhinestone herself. That devotion helped carry Coral to remarkable achievements, including national titles, a world championship medal in Amsterdam, and eventually becoming the Feature Twirler at The University of Texas at Austin.

Lindsey cherished time spent with her family at Disneyland and Disney World, where her gentle spirit and warm smile reminded many of Snow White herself. She loved scrapbooking, running 5Ks with her daughter and grandson in support of meaningful causes, volunteering at baton competitions, and creating special keepsakes—like handmade twirling bears—for young athletes. She also made homemade cards and scrapbook albums for friends, family, former students, and every single Pre-K class she taught, featuring the special memories throughout the year. Lindsey will be remembered for her collection of classroom aprons that she hand-sewed, each designed to bring joy and meaning to the activities and celebrations of the day.

Lindsey Noonan was preceded in death by her parents and younger sister. She is survived by her beloved husband, daughter, son-in-law, grandson, her sister, and two brothers.

Lindsey’s life was one of service, love, and warmth. She believed deeply in the goodness of children, the power of education, and the importance of kindness in everyday moments. Her legacy lives on in classrooms, families, and hearts across generations.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Lindsey’s legacy by making your children’s teachers feel recognized and honored—just as she made generations of children feel loved and celebrated.