ROCKLAND — Joan Elene Reinecke Lauterbach died peacefully Feb. 1, 2015, after a long illness, surrounded by her family and friends at her home at Bartlett Woods in Rockland. Born Dec. 19, 1929, in Elmhurst, Ill., she was the daughter of Elmer and Irene (Leterman) Reinecke.

Joan grew up in the Chicago area, where she excelled in academics and music, graduating high school at the age of 15. She received her bachelor's degree in education and health sciences from Bradley University in Illinois. She met her husband, George, while attending college. They married in June of 1949 and were together for more than 65 years. Joan and George raised their family of five children in the Midwest before relocating to Thomaston in 1977.

In addition to being a devoted spouse and a loving mother, Joan was a talented music teacher, pianist, choir director, literacy volunteer, hospice worker, substitute teacher and librarian. She was an avid reader, loved classical music and excelled at crossword puzzles. Her compassion toward others was reflected in her work with disabled children and the elderly. She was active in community theater and especially loved musicals.

She had many creative talents, including sewing, crocheting and knitting socks for her family and friends. She never met a skein of yarn that she couldn't transform into a work of art. In her later years, she took up bell ringing and played in the bell choir with her friends at the Rockland Congregational Church.

Joan had a vibrant and dynamic personality. Her sense of humor was well known and she was always a popular addition to any social gathering. She had a twinkle in her eye and a ready smile that brought comfort and cheer to those who knew her. Joan leaves behind a legacy of levity, lightness and love, and she will be sadly missed by all whose lives she touched.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, George; and is survived by her children, Wayne Richard Lauterbach, Susan Lynn Kostas, Grant William Lauterbach and his wife, Lori, Lisa Marie Lauterbach and Sandra Leigh Lauterbach. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Brian, Jennifer, Kristin, Tiffany, Erik, Blake, Ian and Caitlin; plus two great-grandchildren, Grace and Paige. She also leaves behind her brother, Warren Reinecke and his wife, Nancy.

A celebration of Joan's life will be held Saturday, June 13, a date that aligns closely with their wedding anniversary and George's birthday. More information for this memorial will be available from the family in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to Rockland Congregational Church, Abiding Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 554, Rockland, ME 04841.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.