Joan Rebeck passed away on Friday, May 9. She was 92. She is survived by her six children, Maria (Alan Blair), Theresa (Jess Lynn), Matt (Miki), Bill (Andria Wisler), Martha (Phil Farr) and Ann (Misha Angrist), as well as her twelve grandchildren: Laura and Emily Blair, Cooper and Cleo Lynn, Katie and Liz Rebeck, Jackson Rebeck, Ellie, Matt and Lucy Farr, and Stella and Lena Angrist.

Born in 1933 in Cincinnati to Marie Bruewer and Bill Drach, Joan was the twin sister of Jean, and older sister to Bill. The young family lived for a time in Over the Rhine, and later in life, Joan and Jean often told stories about the Cincinnati flood, Findlay Market and the accounts they had heard of the legendary running of the pigs. Later the Drachs moved to Hyde Park, where Joan and Jean attended St. Mary's Grade School and High School. At the College of Mount St. Joseph, Joan studied nursing, then did her first rotations at Good Samaritan Hospital.

In her early 20s, Joan met George Rebeck at a dance at St. Xavier Parish. She almost didn't go but her dear friend and fellow nursing student Nancy Savage finally said she'd go with her. George took Joanie home, because he had a car, but he didn't call her right away. It took him all of three days. George and Joan married in 1955 and began their family shortly after.

For a good part of her life Joan was drowning in children, but she also never failed to care for the wider community. She was an instrumental voice in the creation of the Sycamore Senior Center, which for more than 40 years provided many necessities, such as Meals on Wheels, to the elderly community in Montgomery, Kenwood and Blue Ash. When she became interested in attending services at St. Joseph's Parish and Grade School in Cincinnati's West End, it was a commitment that she kept for decades. She operated and expanded the school library, and she commandeered her husband George to paint the hallways and classrooms of the entire school. She and George provided high school scholarships to many students.

Joan's faith was always a central part of her life. She was particularly energized by Vatican II, and became a strong advocate for the work of the social justice movement. In her fifties, Joan continued her studies at the Athenaeum, earning a Master's in Religion. A little information went a long way with Joan. Although she was always a devout Catholic, she was also someone who knew the importance of good trouble and was famous for letting the leadership of the Cincinnati Diocese know when she felt they were drifting away from New Testament teachings. Like Jesus Christ, she was unapologetically liberal.

Joan was also a staunch friend and advocate for countless neighbors and friends. She presented a steadfast example of a life in service to those in need.

Joan loved community and was someone who knew how to throw a party. Her nut roll was almost as famous as her good heart. A classic extrovert, she was never happier than when she was surrounded by family and friends. We ask you to lift her up in your hearts and gather your family and friends together to celebrate her life. The visitation will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Saturday, May 17, at 10 AM, followed by the funeral mass at the same location. In lieu of flowers we encourage donations to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 745 Ezzard Charles Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45203.