Joan Lynn Sprecher Hine
December 25, 1938 – July 30, 2025
Joan Lynn Sprecher Hine was born on Christmas Day, 1938, at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. A lifelong resident of Catonsville, she passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, at the age of 86.
Joan is survived by her devoted husband of more than six decades, Richard “Dick” Hine, Sr., whom she met at the age of 14 at Five Oaks pool. Together they built a life rich with family, travel, and lasting memories. She is also survived by her loving children, Linda Schilling (Todd Schilling), Curtis Hine (Ryan Tisch); her cherished grandchildren, Logan Margaret Schilling, Bryce Richard Schilling, Luke Tisch-Hine, and Henry Tisch-Hine; her beloved brother, Victor Thompson Sprecher III (Donyce); and her niece and nephews, Lee Hine, Marnie Caldwell (John), and Bryce Sprecher (Tamar). She was preceded in death by her parents, Victor Thompson Sprecher, Jr. and Evelyn Ethel Sprecher. Her loss will be deeply felt by countless other caring family members and friends.
Joan had an unquenchable zest for life and a deep love of the outdoors. She was an avid skier, scuba diver, swimming instructor, and tennis player—but she was never happier than during summers on the Tred Avon River in Oxford, MD, where she’d run her trot line for crabs at sunrise and end the day with a feast surrounded by loved ones.
Her passion for sports led to a 28-year career as a women’s field hockey and nationally rated lacrosse official, culminating in her induction into the U.S. Women’s Lacrosse Baltimore Chapter Hall of Fame in 2004.
Off the field, Joan’s legendary hospitality created a warm and welcoming home on Rambling Drive—host to countless pool parties, crab feasts, and every kind of celebration where everyone felt like family.
She lived with joy, generosity, compassion, and elegance. Her legacy lives on in all who had the privilege to know and love her.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m. at the Candle Light Funeral Home (1835 Frederick Rd., Catonsville, MD 21228). Funeral services will take place Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Catonsville United Methodist Church (6 Melvin Ave., Catonsville, MD 21228), with a reception to follow at Rolling Road Golf Club (814 Hilltop Rd., Catonsville, MD 21228).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Catonsville United Methodist Church https://giving.myamplify.io//app/giving/cato6me219 ,or Charlestown Benevolent Care Fund https://ccicharlestown.org/giving/benevolent-care/ in Joan’s memory.
Rest well, Mom. Your life was a beautiful adventure—and we were all incredibly lucky to be along for the ride.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joan Hine, please visit our flower store.