Joan Madeline Shank

Joan Madeline Shank, 79, passed away on August 12, 2023 after a short illness. She was born May 4, 1944 in Boston, MA to Frances and Madeline Nicholas and was one of six children. When her father joined the Navy, her mother moved the family (then just three girls) in with grandparents. For a while there were 10 members of the family living in the second floor apartment.

After the war, her father joined the Sun Oil Company and his career took the family from Boston to Chester and Erie PA before finally settling down in Fort Wayne, IN. She was a proud graduate of Central Catholic High School where she made lifelong friends. She earned her Xray Technician certificate at St Joseph Hospital in Ft Wayne, working there as an Xray Technician until moving to Indianapolis to work for Drs. Beeler and Silver.

She loved social events and connecting with people to hear about their families and share about hers, especially those events involving her children, their schools and sports teams. When you talked to her, she listened. And she didn’t forget your face or the details of your life.

She loved to dance, a talent she learned from her mother and older sisters. She taught her brother, Ken, to dance and he was her favorite partner.

Helping out in the community was a priority for her. Whether it was delivering Meals on Wheels, chairing school fund raising auctions or coaching. Joanie loved helping others.

Over 20 years ago Joanie learned she had breast cancer and had inherited the BRCA2 gene. She overcame that cancer and became a strong advocate for genetic research and counseling, encouraging her siblings, children, nephews and nieces to pursue DNA testing. After her breast cancer she supported other women through their struggles by sharing her story openly and personally.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Madeline; her sister, Elaine (Sam) Underhill and nephew Bernie Vodde. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Steve; sons Stephen (Kristine), Nicholas (Sarah)and Jonathan (Joy); grandchildren Samuel, Maxwell, Fletcher, Eli, Finley and Leo; brothers Ken (Linda) Nicholas, Don (Pam) Nicholas, Bob (Ann) Nicholas; sister, Carol(Tom) Vodde; brother in law Sam (Kathy) Underhill.

Memorials may be given to the Susan G. Komen fund for breast cancer research.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thank you to those who care for the sick and dying, especially those at IU Health Indianapolis and at Venice and Sarasota Memorial Hospitals--all cared for Joanie during her illness with great compassion and love.