Joann A. Gallenstein

JoAnn Gallenstein (Sandmann), age 91, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on April 16, 2026. Born on July 24, 1934, JoAnn is survived by her four daughters: Anne (Rick) Gallenstein, Mimi (Mark) Bateman, Trish Sullivan, and Jane (Joe) Runge; her 10 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. She will be joining Tom, her beloved husband of 66 years, her parents, Alice and Frank Sandmann, and her siblings Patricia, Bob, and Jim in heaven. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, JoAnn exuded kindness and compassion for all, had a ready smile and encouraging words for others. She was an active member of her church and community.

Born and raised on Mt. Adams, JoAnn attended Holy Cross Elementary School, St. Mary's High School, Edgecliff College for her undergraduate degree, and University of Cincinnati and Xavier University for her graduate degrees. One of her earliest and most enjoyable jobs was working at Proctor & Gamble where she made good use of her home economics degree to taste and test products. There she made lifelong friends, known for decades as the P & G Club. After a work hiatus, having four children in five years, JoAnn returned to employment as an expert seamstress. She created beautiful garments for the Armo Company to highlight their textile products. One of our highlights was Ohio State Fair appearances with her homesewn dresses, modeled.

Not one to gather moss, JoAnn felt compelled to move on to an educational career where she combined garment construction and teaching at the vocational level. During her career at Great Oaks, including both the Scarlet and Live Oaks campuses, JoAnn was always looking for new ways to assist the student population. This prompted her to move from teaching to counseling, learning her master's degree in guidance and devoting over 20 years to this work. Upon retirement from full-time employment, JoAnn found she wanted to further contribute to the needs of those seeking to complete their education by becoming a GED (General Educational Development) administrator. She derived particular gratification working with those in the prison system which she affectionately referred to as her "jailbirds".

JoAnn found happiness and fulfillment in so many areas Through her work and recreational interests, JoAnn collected numerous lifelong friends. She was an avid golfer, bridge, tennis and bingo player. She thrived on social interaction and maintained those friendships throughout her life. Among her many talents, cooking and baking were her way of showing her love to both family and friends. No one could compete with her "good chicken", her lemon meringue pie, or those incredible chocolate chip oatmeal raisin cookies.

Her devotion to her family and friends was paired with her devotion to her faith. JoAnn grew up on Mt. Adams where she was raised praying the rosary on the Immaculata steps every Good Friday. She continued this tradition throughout her elder years. In 80 years, she only missed the steps one time, when her eldest daughter, Anne, was born. JoAnn's devotion to the Blessed Mother was evident throughout her life. She never failed to carry a rosary and had numerous devotional pieces displayed throughout her home. Upon her marriage to Tom, Guardian Angels Catholic Church became the source of her religious practice where her children attended elementary school, and she regularly attended mass throughout the week. Putting prayer into practice was JoAnn's goal which she achieved daily. 

The true lights of her life were her husband of 66 years, Tom, her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren to whom she dedicated her life and love. JoAnn and Tom met while working at the Cincinnati Recreation Center on Eastern Avenue in 1955. Challenging JoAnn to a game of pick up sticks, Tom's victory resulted in their first date. They married on May 4, 1957 in Immaculata Church on Mt. Adams overlooking the Ohio River.

JoAnn consistently put family first and supported them throughout her life, from sewing prom dresses and window treatments to traveling to wherever her family resided. She and Tom relished treating their family to summer gatherings in the mountains and on the beach. She will always be remembered as awesome Grandma Jo.

Many may be aware of the quote she repeated often over the years, "Prayer is a powerful weapon, and laughter is healthy". JoAnn embodied that quote well, as all who knew her can attest. She will be missed tremendously, but knowing she is in Paradise with Tom and her dear family and friends gives great comfort to all who were blessed with her presence on Earth.

A service will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026 at Guardian Angels Church on 6531 Beechmont Avenue. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am. If you're not joining us at the cemetery, please feel free to go directly to the Anderson Center on 7850 Five Mile Road following the service