Joan B. Hemsky

Hemsky, Joan, aged 90, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026, at her home in Fairborn, OH, after living with dementia and decreased mobility for several years. 

Joan was born in Madison, WI, and grew up in Moscow, ID, and West Lafayette, IN, where her father was a Professor of Animal Science at Purdue University. She graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Speech and Hearing Therapy. She worked as a speech and hearing therapist at a school in Chicago and later at a clinic in Lafayette.

Joan moved to Fairborn with her husband, Joe, a Professor of Physics at Wright State University. She later worked at the Fairborn Library, where she enjoyed helping people and being surrounded by books. She passed on her love of cooking and art to her children and grandchildren. 

For much of her adult life, Joan courageously battled and survived cancer. She maintained lifelong friendships with five friends who had also graduated from West Lafayette High School and Purdue University.

Joan is survived by her husband of 62 years, Joe; her sister, Liz (Heber); her daughter, Julie (Brian); her son, John (Tricia); and six grandchildren: Sophie, Chloe, Josie, Laney, Max, and Gabi.

To honor Joan's memory, her family will gather privately at a later date to celebrate her life. 

Arrangements in care of Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, Fairborn, OH.