Joan Marie Lefler Vydra, age 68, a resident of Glen Ellyn was born one half of a surprise set of twin sisters who arrived together on August 23, 1948.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Mildred Lefler of Thornton.

Joan is survived by her husband of almost 44 years, Fred (Butch) Vydra, daughter, Jennifer (Wills), and beloved Granddaughter Brooke Wills. Brooke lost her father, Darren Wills just 18 months ago. Joan is also survived by both of her siblings, Jean(nie) (Lawrence) McCall, and Robert Michael Lefler (Joan). Additionally Joan is survived by nephews, Chris and Jon Lefler, and step nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly: Tom McCall, Stephen McCall and Kelley McCall McGrath. Joan was a part of the wonderful Thornton Maodush clan.

Joan, also known as "Doc", had an EdD in Education from Vanderbilt which she used often and wisely, especially here in the Glen Ellyn and Wheaton areas. Joan taught at Westfield, followed by Principal jobs at Hawthorne in Wheaton and Briar Glen also in Wheaton. Joan was on many National Councils and Forums and worked in depth at the State Level as well until her disease finally just wore her out.

While her illness(es) and surgeries kept her in the house for great lengths of time, she enjoyed participating in anything with granddaughter Brooke, even helping in kindergarten. She was a member of a number of area churches: she had a long affiliation with Blanchard Alliance Church, a new membership with Wheaton Bible, and her College Church Bible Study Group meant so much to her. Joan loved long lunches and get-togethers with all of her old colleagues. She will especially miss her dear friends from her Nashville days: Homa, Casey and Terry.

In keeping with Joan's dedication to education, Joan is donating her body to science so that others may learn from her rare poly-radicular neuropathy, her sponge kidney disease and now her Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 1 from 3:00 p.m. until the start of a Christian Service at 7:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a College Fund for Joan's only granddaughter Brooke. Checks payable to "Brooke Wills" will be endorsed right into a college fund created by Ameriprise Financial. Or you can donate online by clicking this link: https://www.youcaring.com/brookewills-833135