Joan L. Pottschmidt

Joan Lydia Pottschmidt, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025, at the age of 92. Joan proudly grew up in Price Hill on the west side of Cincinnati and then spent the majority of her life in Delhi, Ohio. Joan’s life was defined by love, creativity, and an unwavering devotion to her family. Her warmth, humor, and kindness touched everyone who had the joy of knowing her.

Born on July 28, 1933, to Ralph and Daisy Wagner, Joan grew up in a bustling and loving household alongside her siblings - Connie, Laura, Jackie, Ralph, Daisy, and Thomas. She graduated from Western Hills High School in 1952, a proud milestone that reflected her determination and spirit. Soon after, she began her career with American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T), where her creativity and wit quickly shone through. While working in the mail room, she coined a clever company slogan - “Safety Minded, Safe You’ll Find It” - that was proudly displayed on all internal mail for a month, a small but memorable mark of her bright imagination and humor.

In 1954, Joan met the love of her life, Dr. John D. Pottschmidt, on a first date at the Western Hills Country Club. It was the beginning of a partnership that would span nearly seven decades. They were married on June 8, 1957, beginning a life filled with laughter, hard work, shared dreams, and steadfast devotion. Together, they raised four children - Steven, Mark, Todd, and Amy - who were the center of Joan’s world. She poured her energy, creativity, and heart into building a joyful, loving home where imagination was encouraged, values were taught by example, and family always came first.

Joan found endless joy in watching her children build lives of their own. She cherished Steven and his wife Kathryn, Mark and his wife Maria, Todd and his wife Carolyn, and Amy and her husband Sean, and took great pride in the families they built. Her role as a grandmother brought her immeasurable happiness - she adored Jacob, Andrew and his wife Ellen, Natalie and her husband Christopher, Stephanie and her husband Sterling, Audrey and her husband Ricky, Zachery and his wife Clare, Kiefer and his wife Alexis, Grace, Abbey, Ella, and Erin. Joan celebrated every milestone, every visit, every laugh shared around the table. In recent years, her heart overflowed with love for her great-grandchildren - Harrison, Gus, and Charlie - who reminded her of the beauty of family and the wonder of life continuing through the generations.

Joan’s home was a reflection of her spirit - welcoming, warm, and filled with creativity. She had an artist’s eye and a collector’s curiosity, and she delighted in finding beauty in unexpected places. A passionate collector of Americana and dolls, she spent countless happy hours browsing antique shops and flea markets, always on the lookout for pieces that spoke to her love of history and craftsmanship.

She was also a gifted painter, and many of her delicate watercolors hang proudly in the homes of her family and friends - gentle, colorful reminders of the grace and imagination that defined her. Beyond her painting, Joan had an instinct for capturing life’s fleeting moments through photography. Her photos - full of light and detail - tell the story of a woman who saw beauty everywhere she looked.

After her children had grown and before the arrival of grandchildren, Joan found great fulfillment in giving back to her community through her volunteer work at The Christ Hospital. As a dedicated candy striper and volunteer, she brought comfort, kindness, and her bright smile to patients and staff alike. Her time there reflected the same compassion and generosity that defined her life - always caring for others and finding purpose in service.

Those who knew Joan remember her not only for her talents but for her deep kindness and compassion. She had a way of making people feel seen and valued, and her presence could light up a room. Holidays in her home were legendary - filled with food, stories, games, and love. She created a sense of belonging that extended beyond her immediate family, making everyone who entered her home feel part of something special.

Through her 68-year marriage to John, Joan modeled what it meant to be a true partner - patient, loyal, forgiving, and full of humor. Together they shared adventures, built traditions, and found joy in the everyday rhythm of life. Even as the years passed, their affection never faded; they remained in love, best friends and constant companions through every season.

As her family reflects on her long and beautiful life, they remember Joan as the heart of their family - the artist, the nurturer, the quiet strength that held them together. Her influence lives on in every painting on a wall, every photograph in an album, every story told to a new generation. She leaves behind not only a lifetime of memories but a living legacy of love, creativity, and grace.

Her family takes comfort in knowing that her spirit will continue to shine brightly in those she loved - in the laughter of her grandchildren, the warmth of her children, and the curiosity of her great-grandchildren.

As we remember Joan Lydia Pottschmidt, we celebrate a life well lived and a love well shared. Her beauty, both in heart and in art, will forever inspire those who were fortunate enough to call her wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date. At this time, there are no public services planned. Memorials may be made in Joan's honor to: The Christ Hospital, Department of Cardiology (Heart and Vascular). Make your gift today by clicking Donate Online, or by sending a check to: The Christ Hospital Foundation, 2123 Auburn Avenue, Suite 528, Cincinnati, OH 45219. For assistance, please call Rita Spicker at 513-585-4128. https://www.thechristhospital.com/about-the-network/foundation/donate-online