Joanne Chant Lisle

Joanne Chant Lisle, of Indianapolis passed away on May 19, 2026, after 91 years of a life well lived. She was born February 10, 1935, in Elmhurst, Illinois, to the late Douglas and Hulda (Pfund) Chant. As the youngest of five, Joanne cherished her four amazing sisters who served as role models throughout her life. Joanne was a quiet girl – as to be expected with a gaggle of older siblings – yet she truly hit her stride after graduating from York High School and attending Bradley University. There she joined Gamma Phi Beta sorority which she credited with helping her overcome her shyness, eventually serving as chapter president her senior year. Bradley University proved pivotal in another way: it was there she met her future husband and love of her life, Alan Lisle. A first date at a Bradley Braves basketball game led to 63 years of marriage and countless adventures as the wife of an Air Force officer. Just one week after graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, she and Al were married on June 16, 1957. A week later she was on a plane to the Azores, where the newlyweds lived for almost three years and explored Europe whenever they could. Subsequent military moves took them to Denver, Colorado, Oakland, California, and San Antonio, Texas, with one of their three children being born in each city. In the summer of 1968, the family of five moved to Izmir, Turkey, for Al’s three-year assignment with NATO. Returning to the States in 1971 required Joanne to lean into her quiet strength, managing as a single parent while Al served in Vietnam. A final move to Indianapolis in 1972 established the city as their permanent home. Joanne volunteered and worked in many capacities throughout the years, including as a member of Irvington United Methodist Church for 50+ years, a Girl Scout leader/cookie chair, and the designer of printed materials for Alan’s various projects long before computers were an option. She utilized her art degree as an illustrator for the Lawrence Township Print Shop, the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Defense Automated Printing Service at Fort Harrison. Her most cherished roles, however, were daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother and Nana. She loved with her whole heart and was loved dearly in return. While her husband was the family’s booming CEO, Joanne managed daily happenings as the compassionate COO and emotional core of the family. Whereas Alan taught his children persistence, generosity and respect, Joanne instilled faith, empathy and courage — a trait she possessed in abundance, even though she would laughingly deny it. She was encouraging, creative, funny, particular, upbeat and kind. In recent years she liked watching Jeopardy, Dr. Pimple Popper and old movies on TCM. She enjoyed crafting, playing bingo and solitaire, “just a splash” of bourbon in her 7-Up and following her grandkids’ travels via Find My Friends. She was an ice cream enthusiast, particularly enjoying peppermint and Chick-fil-A milkshakes. Joanne was preceded in death by her beloved husband Alan (2021) and her sisters Patricia, Evelyn and Marcella. She is survived by her 101-year-old sister Margaret Papandreou of Athens, Greece; her son Geoffrey (Cathy) Lisle of Westfield; her daughters Sandra Lisle McMullen of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Dana (John) Unison of Avon; her grandchildren Kirby, Emily, Reid, Christopher, Abby Jo, Anna and Rachel; her sisters-in-law Wanda (John) Clark and Karen (Keith) Larson; and many beloved nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 14, at 11:00 am in Foundation Hall at Marquette Senior Living Community, 8140 Township Line Road in Indianapolis. The family extends immense gratitude to Marquette residents and staff – especially Robin Colver, Joanne’s nightly bright spot – for the years of friendship and excellent care they provided after Alan’s death. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Marquette Manor Foundation, Irvington United Methodist Church or Young Life. Final care and arrangements are entrusted to Shirley Brothers Fishers-Castleton Chapel.

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Joanne Chant Lisle

February 10, 1935 - May 19, 2026