Joan Spezia, age 77, of Affton, Missouri, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026, following a lengthy illness with pulmonary hypertension.

Born on September 22, 1948, at St. Anthony’s Hospital, Joan was raised in the Italian Hill neighborhood on Botanical Avenue by her loving parents, the late Frank V. and Amelia J. Spezia. Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, she was surrounded by care at Mercy Hospital South and DeGreef Hospice House in her final days.

Joan received her early sacraments at St. George’s Parish and Our Lady of Providence in Crestwood. She went on to attend Ursuline Academy, where she actively participated in school plays, intramural sports, dances, and bazaars. She further developed her creative talents at Meramec Community College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield. Joan dedicated her career to education, inspiring students as a teacher at St. Dominic Savio Catholic Parish for 39 years.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Frank V. and Amelia J. Spezia. She is survived by her brother, Charles Spezia, along with extended family and dear friends.

Services

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM at:

St. Ambrose Catholic Church

5130 Wilson Ave

St. Louis, MO 63110

A private luncheon for immediate family and close friends will follow the service.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice in Joan’s honor.