Mary Joan Meisner

Mary Joan Meisner, 89, of Springfield, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 in Hospice at St. John's Hospital. Joan was born March 26, 1926 in Springfield, the daughter of Wilbur and Isabelle Meisner. She worked as an announcer and writer in radio and T.V. at WSOY in Decatur, WTAX and WICS in Springfield, and KMPC and KTTV in Hollywood, CA. She retired from the IL Dept. of Mental Health. Joan was a puppeteer for many years, performing in countless schools, hospitals, and children's units. Joan traveled to several European countries, in addition to throughout the U.S., to present papers on the use of puppets as a therapy tool for the mentally ill and disabled. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister-in-law; and a nephew. She is survived by a brother, Jack Meisner; a nephew, John (wife, Mary) Meisner; and two great-nephews, Joshua and Lucas Meisner. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. on Monday, August 10, 2015 at Church of the Little Flower, 800 Stevenson Dr., Springfield. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 10, 2015 at Church of the Little Flower with Rev. John Nolan, celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Ball Chatham Education Foundation for Autism Programs, 201 Mulberry, Chatham, IL 62629, to honor her great-nephew, Lucas, and future students with autism.