Joan Busch

Joan Eloise Busch (June 16, 1932 May 21, 2025), 92, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025. Born on June 16, 1932, to Joseph and Olive Umberg in Cheviot, Ohio. Joan was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her warmth, boisterous laugh, and genuine curiosity about others touched countless lives.

Joan graduated from Mother of Mercy High School in 1950, where her performances in high school theater helped her overcome her shyness and sparked a lifelong passion for learning. She married Kenneth Busch in 1958,( deceased 2004) whom she met while working for the EPA, and together they built a life centered on family and self reliance. Joan was a devoted mother to her daughters, Rebecca Lynn Nichols (Scott) and Jennifer Kay Burnett (Andy), and a cherished grandmother to Stephanie, Heather, and Sean( Rebecca and Scott) and Kristin and Amanda ( Jennifer and Andy) as well as eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her younger brother William Umberg ( Ursula), and 5 nieces and nephews. A dedicated civil servant, Joan served 25 years with the FAA Flight Standards Division at Lunken Airport. Her thirst for knowledge continued post-retirement through online courses, with favorite subjects including history, art, biographies, and politics. Joan's love for the outdoors took her family to the mountains and South Florida, with a memorable trip to Egypt in 1980.

A faithful parishioner of Guardian Angels Catholic Church, Joan served as a Lector for many years, sharing her faith with grace. She was an active member of the Green Grubbers Garden Club, where her love for nature flourished. Known for her generous spirit and ability to connect with others, Joan enjoyed meeting new people, learning their stories, and forging lasting friendships.

Above all, family was Joan's heart. Her love, loyalty, and laughter were gifts to all who knew her. In her generous spirit, Joan donated her body to the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine to advance medical research.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at Guardian Angels Parish, 6531 Beechmont Avenue Cincinnati Ohio 45230. Thursday, July 10, 2025. Visitation will be in the gathering space from 9:30 to10:30 a.m., with the mass following at 10:30.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to breakthrough T1D.org.

Joan's legacy of love, learning, and laughter will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.