Obituary of Joanne Ryan Sindelar

Joanne Ryan Sindelar Horseheads NY - Joanne Ryan Sindelar of Horseheads, NY passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 16 in Bath, NY at the age of 87. Joanne was born March 28, 1934 in Elmira, NY, the daughter of Prescott and Verna Brace. Joanne lived her entire life as a devout Catholic and was a parishioner of St. Mary Our Mother Church in Horseheads. Joanne is survived by her ex-husband and lifelong friend Joseph Sindelar and his wife Kris; her children, Joseph (Amanda) Sindelar, Julie (Gene) Ungvarsky, Jill Sindelar and Omie’s beloved granddog, Amber; grandchildren, Aaron (Meredith) Ungvarsky, Jordan (Sandra) Ungvarsky, Zack (Alicia) Ungvarsky, Aubrey (Eric) Ungvarsky, and Jamison (Shelby) Sindelar, Ryan Sindelar and their mother Suzanne Sindelar; great grandchildren, Luke, Jay and George Ungvarsky. Joanne was pre-deceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Rosemary and Paul Vendetti. Joanne thought that raising her three children was her most important accomplishment. It was remarkable how dependable and complete her love was for each of them. At her fighting weight of 99 pounds, she was all heart. She was an avid golfer and bowler, and for 35 years Joanne drove a school bus for the Horseheads School District. To this day, 30 plus years after her retirement, former students remind us that “Mrs. Sindelar”, bus 181, was their absolute favorite bus driver Joanne endured a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease, but she didn’t let it hold her back. With guidance from her physicians and the almost daily supervision of her former husband “Dr. Joe”, her Parkinson’s symptoms were managed with great precision which allowed her to continue to be active. You might have seen her out and about at Hobby Lobby or M&M Hot Dogs, a couple of her favorite places. In her final days, Joanne sang this verse from “Blessed Assurance” to her daughter Jill: "…this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.” We have the comfort of knowing that is precisely what she is doing now and forever more. With great affection, Joanne will always be our “Hobbit”, our “Omie”. We love her so much. A special thank you to all the loving staff at Woodbrook Assisted Living Residence, Elmira and Steuben Center in Bath. Private services will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in Joanne’s memory to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier by clicking here.