Joan Marie Sparks

Joan Marie was born January 6, 1930, in Gary, IN to John and Anastasia Lincoln. She was the youngest of three. Joan married Leland Sparks and together they had two children, Bradley James and Michelle Diane. Leland was killed in a car accident in 1963 and Bradley passed away in 1982 at the age of 27. Both loses leaving an irreparable void in Joan’s heart. Joan was a proud grandma to daughter Michelle’s three children Bradley (Stephanie), Christen (Rob), Alec (Nikolina), Jack’s daughter Morgan (Tushar) and great grandma to Ari, Memphis, Jameson, Lorelei, and Oliver. Mother-in-law to Jack Knight and the late Dennis Cook. Sister in law to Rose, Charlotte (Chuckie) & Lou, Richard & Nancy. Aunt to John, Annette, Janet, Jimmy, Mark, LeeAnn, Diane, Kim, Stacy and their families. Dear friend to many. Her presence made the world a better place. She is an inspiration. Joan wasn’t just a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, friend. She was a musician, scholar, entrepreneur, radio show host, actress, teacher, librarian, realtor, insurance agent, saleswoman, and a boater. Joan’s life was intricately woven into the tapestry of the Region- specifically the City of Gary. As a young girl, following the Great Depression, she worked at her father’s Candy Kitchen/Family Theater located at 5th and Broadway, where she said, "they produced the finest ice cream and locals gathered to enjoy an afternoon of movies and popcorn for 25 cents." Joan attended Emerson School where she graduated top of her class. At Indiana University Bloomington Joan enjoyed college “party” life then graduated with honors from the School of Music. With her husband Leland, Joan opened and as a widow operated Sparks Piano and Organ Company. The store was located at 3901 Broadway with several satellite locations throughout the region. Joan’s musical and theatrical endeavors included performing with the Northwest Indiana Symphony. She spoke fondly of her opportunity to perform under the direction of Arthur Fiedler as well as her friendship with pianist Van Cliburn. Many years as musical director/actress were devoted to The Gary Music Theater where live performances once graced the Gary Methodist Church’s Seaman Hall stage. She was the Women’s Director and talk show host for WLTH radio station. She was a Real Estate Broker with Phipps & Funkey. She was the District Insurance Agent for the Better Beneficial Union of Pittsburg serving NWI and Lafayette, IN. Joan was the choir director and organist for Lakeside Presbyterian Church located in Miller Beach. She was the Music Coordinator at Lake Ridge Schools. After receiving her Masters of Library Science, Audio Visual, and Educational Media she was the librarian at Lake Ridge where she updated and revamped the middle school’s outdated library. After 42 years of service Joan retired in 2013 from Lake Ridge Schools. Joan worked part-time in the Fine Jewelry Department at Rosalee’s Ladies Shop and later in Designer Sportswear at Carson Pirie Scott both located at Southlake Mall. She taught piano, organ, flute and voice to many Regionites young and old, at one point traveling to their homes to teach. With her brother Jim and sister Georgia, she owned and operated the “Lady Qwestor” a 75’ dinner and cruise boat out of Michigan City. With her brother, Joan owned and operated “Qwik Step Bait Shop” once located on Hwy 20 in Portage, IN. After retirement, Joan enjoyed many adventures. She loved to shop local businesses especially Little Bear Traders in St. John and The Schoolhouse Shop in Chesterton. Lunch dates with her retired teacher friends was a monthly highlight. Joan loved the water, boating especially, so she reveled in her visits to granddaughter Christen’s home on the Fox River! The “Fox Box” as it is named was her favorite getaway. She loved to just take in the view of that idealistic setting, sharing her stories, and when the river allowed boat rides! In August 2024, Joan moved into a group home for seniors in Crown Point. Here she left her final indelible mark on her Two Hearts family and in return they left theirs on us. Traditions provided support and hospice care to Joan during her final days Music, the vocal or instrumental sounds combined in such a way as to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion… this is the definition of Joan. Mom, you are forever my sunrise, sunset, my North Star. You are irreplaceable. You carried so much in this life yet never wavered. A mighty force in a tiny frame. Your very essence softly lingers. You cannot and will not be forgotten the memories of you everlasting. We will do our best to make you proud. Until we are reunited “Stick with Me.” A private ceremony for Joan has been planned with her immediate family. In lieu of flowers, please take a moment to listen to or perform your favorite song or think of a special moment that reminds you of Joan. She would like that. Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, Crown Point, IN, entrusted with arrangements. www.burnsfuneral.com

Joan Marie Sparks

January 6, 1930 - February 22, 2025