Joan Ellen Shock
March 22, 1931 ~ February 20, 2025
Joan Ellen Shock, born on March 22, 1931, in Indianapolis, Indiana, gracefully walked the earth for nearly a century and left a kaleidoscope of memories in her wake. She transitioned to eternal rest on February 20, 2025, in Greenwood, Indiana, surrounded by the warmth and affection of her loving family.
Joan was the epitome of dedication and wisdom, serving as a devoted librarian at the Indianapolis Public Library for two decades. Her nurturing spirit echoed through the pages of countless stories, instilling a love for reading in generations of children and adults alike. Through her work, she created a sanctuary of knowledge, mentoring young minds eager to explore the world through books.
Her educational beginnings at Sacred Heart Catholic School set the foundation for a life dedicated to service and community. Joan was not only a woman of knowledge but also of profound faith, a proud member of St. Roch Catholic Church, where she found solace and strength throughout her life. There, she formed connections with fellow parishioners, sharing in life's joys and sorrows, building a community grounded in compassion and love.
Love illuminated Joan’s life, particularly when she married Carl R. Shock on January 22, 1951, at St. Catherine's Catholic Church. Together they nurtured a bond that withstood the test of time, a love story woven with shared laughter, dreams, and quiet moments of togetherness.
Beyond her professional and marital life, Joan’s creativity flourished in her hobbies. Joan had a great love for cooking and baking, working in her garden. She devoted her free time to knitting, sewing, and embroidery, each stitch a reflection of her nurturing nature and artistic flair. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Additionally, she generously volunteered at the Indiana State Museum, enriching the lives of many with her volunteer work and passion for the arts. Her legacy as a creator and a caregiver will forever resonate within her family which she cherished.
Joan is survived by her children; Cynthia (Daniel) Meier, Patrick (Lisa) Shock and Thomas (Sharon) Shock, grandchildren; Paul (Brandi Williams) Moriarty, Erin (Keenyn) Smith, Sophia (Blake) Wyrick, Sid (Emma Moore) Shock, Lydia Shock, Dean Shock, Jonathan Meier and Molly Meier, great-grandchildren; Elijah, Dylan, Kaylin, Elaina, Norah, Stori, and Ila Grace, sisters Patricia McKeon, Therese Bisesi, sister-in-law Shirley Melvin. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 72 years Carl Shock, parents John and Esther Hayden Clark, brother Donald Clark, sisters Margaret McIntosh and Kathleen Austin.
A visitation to celebrate Joan’s remarkable life will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at St. Roch Catholic Church, 3600 S. Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, IN 46227 from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Services entrusted to O'Riley-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227.
In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Joan's honor can be made to St. Roch Catholic Church. Envelopes will be provided at the church.
Please visit www.ORileyBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
Joan Ellen Shock's life was a tapestry of love, devotion, and service—binding together the threads of family, community, and faith. Her spirit will continue to resonate through the lives of all who were privileged to know her. As we bid farewell to a beautiful soul, we find comfort in her enduring legacy—one of kindness, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to those she loved.
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Joan Shock was one of the kindest ladies I have ever known! She was so kind to my children at Shelby Library (now Garfield Park Library)…always helpful and nurturing. And she contributed to every project I worked on at St. Roch! I especially loved having Joan as my Euchre partner at St. Roch Card Parties. She was a whiz at cards! May she rest in peace.
Love, Kay and Kevin Likes has purchased Lush Greenery Basket for Joan Shock
Rosemarie and Lee Forsythe has purchased Lush Greenery Basket for Joan Shock
BFARC has purchased Sincerest Condolences Basket for Joan Shock
Ron Walters and Family has purchased Beautiful in Blue for Joan Shock
The McKeon Family has purchased Purple Majesty for Joan Shock
My sympathies on the loss of Joan. I live in a cottage & am
The Catholic rep on campus. I brought Communion to Joan & visited. She was always I pleasant to visit with. I met a few family members on my last visit & we prayed together.
God Bless all the family as you transition thru your loss.
I will miss her.
I will have a Mass said for her.
Jerry and Angela Moore has purchased Sympathy Garden for Joan Shock
I will forever miss my Aunt Joan. A legacy to our family for nearly 94 years. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and aunt. Her knowledge of our family history will forever be appreciated and passed down to generations. I always enjoyed our visits and listening to her stories. I loved hearing her little giggle when we would talk; she always made me laugh with her great sense of humor. She was a woman of strength, faith, and love for her family. I love you and miss you Aunt Joan…you will forever be in my heart.
Dear Cynthia, I am so sorry that I missed the service for Joan! She was a wonderful person to know and to work with so many years ago! My sympathy and prayers go out to you and your family!
Blessings to you all!
Larry Whitmore
My deepest sympathy to Joan’s family. I was honored to go to Prospect Branch library as a child where Joan was a clerk. Later, I worked with her for 3 years when I became a Page at Prospect. We met often to get lunch together after her retirement. She was a kind, caring, and loving friend. Prayers of peace and comfort to all her family. She will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.