Joan Hempel Comisar

Cincinnati - Joan Hempel Comisar passed away on April 30th in Cincinnati from natural causes at 90 years old. Joan was married to the late N. Lee Comisar and was also preceded in death by her granddaughter, Makena "Kenzie" Comisar, as well as her parents, Eugene and Mildred (Mimi) Hempel and her dear sister, Jean Kerr. Joan was a loving and devoted mother to Michael E. Comisar, Marc A. (Paula) Comisar, and Vallie C. (Rodney) Geier. Adored grandmother, "Nonie," to 7 grandchildren, Jason (Jackie) Comisar, Margaux (Mark) Higgins, Max (Angela) Comisar, Alex Comisar, Natalie (Matt) Geier Cohen, Emily (Alex) Vollmer, Vallie (David) Tapke and 14 great-grandchildren, (Lily, Carter, & Mira Comisar, Wyatt & Kendall Higgins, Charlie Comisar, Glady, Phelps, & Pfeiffer Cohen, Makena & Reese Vollmer, Olivia, Blaire, & Bowen Tapke). Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Joan was an avid golfer, winning 47 club championships, 29 of which were at Kenwood Country Club; won four City Metropolitan Championships; won Ohio State Women's Championship; won 2 Bermuda Match Play Championships; won 15 Senior Championships on local and state levels. She had 10 holes-in-one in her lifetime. Her golf career spanned over five decades with her first win in 1963 to her latest win in 2005. She was featured in Sports Illustrated Faces in the Crowd, honored by The First Tee Organization, and was honored as a Legend of Cincinnati Golf. Not only was Joan an accomplished competitor, but she was also a friend and mentor to other women golfers. She was an advocate for women to receive the same respect and opportunity as men on the golf course. Golf also afforded Joan the opportunity to learn about sportsmanship, humility, integrity and patience and to share these qualities with others.

Joan loved her friends and her family and held countless family parties. Joan was an important confidante to her husband in the operation of their restaurants, including The Maisonette, for which she initially composed handwritten menus. She loved her many friends, and she was beloved by her children and grandchildren.

Joan and Lee spent their winters in Rancho Mirage, CA, where they made many friends, enjoyed visits by their family, and many of their Cincinnati friends. Her grandchildren remember wonderful visits with "Nonie and Da" which were punctuated with lots of fun and laughter.

Joan's family would like to thank the doctors and staff at The Christ Hospital particularly Dr. Robert Warden, Marjorie P Lee Retirement Home, The Kenwood by Senior Star, and Hospice of Cincinnati for their wonderful care and support. A special thank you to Anita Baker, a dear friend and care provider over the last few years.

Due to COVID restrictions, a small family-only service will be held soon, and a larger public gathering will be organized in the future when feasible.

The family asks that memorial contributions be made in honor of Joan to LADD, Living Arrangements for Developmental Disabilities, 3603 Victory Pkwy, 45229, or to Kenzie's Closet, 2010 Madison Rd, 45208.