Joan Lusk Barnum's Obituary
Joan Lusk Barnum, 84, passed away January 11, 2023. Beloved wife of 45 years to the late Thomas Barnum. Loving mother of Beth Foutty (Jack), Lynn Jewell (Dana), Jill Bottger (Brian) and Jodi Lohrey (Greg). Daughter of the late William and Mabel Lusk. Sister of John Lusk (Bess). Dear grandmother of Kailyn and Kamryn Foutty, Logan Jewell, Alivia, Aubrey and Addison Bottger, Kate, Braden, Jane and Adam Lohrey.
Joan grew up in Strongsville and lived there most of her life. Her younger years involved shenanigans alongside her younger brother, John, where she never hesitated to climb a tree or play in the mud. In high school she was a cheerleader, in the marching band and played on the girl’s basketball team. She met and married Tom and together raised their beloved daughters. Joan was actively involved in Girl Scouts for over 25 years where she served as a troop leader for all four daughters, held positions as Day Camp Director and Resident Camp Director and trainer for the Girl Scout Council. After that she worked for almost 20 years for the City of Strongsville, originally at the recreation department and then as Activities Director for the Senior Center. Joan was involved in many civic activities through the Strongsville City Club and The Strongsville Chamber of Commerce.
Her greatest joy was being involved in whatever activities her daughters took part in. She started as a room mother and eventually she and Tom were chaperoning band trips, serving as President of the music boosters, running concession stands for sporting events, and following their girls wherever their activities took them.
Joan’s involvement did not end there, when her girls were adults with their own volunteer responsibilities, she continued to volunteer with them. She could be found at a grandchild’s school selling plants or hanging artwork for an art show or registering participants for a 5k fundraiser. She loved her grandchildren dearly. She loved to play games with them, create scavenger hunts for them, and host them at her house for a Christmas in July sleepover. As her grandchildren grew, she attended every sporting event, grandparent’s day, band concert, horse show, and musical and talent show that she could to support them.
Joan loved to camp and be in the outdoors with her Girl Scout troops and family. She could build a fire in minutes, navigate a trail in the dark, and put up a tent easily. She was always the first to join in a song and the last to leave a campfire. She loved her wildflower garden, feeding the birds, traveling, and playing rummy. She will live on forever in the memories of all those whose lives she touched.
VISITATION SUNDAY JANUARY 15, 2022 2PM-5PM at JARDINE FUNERAL HOME, 15822 PEARL RD, STRONGSVILLE. Funeral Service MONDAY JANUARY 16, 2022 11AM at Jardine’s. Interment Strongsville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve/Friends of Crowell Hilaka for Kirby’s Mill Restoration, 100 Wandle Ave, Bedford, OH 44146. These camps are where Joan loved to be and where she created many memories with her family and friends.
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