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Joan York Obituary
Green Twp. - Joan York (nee Schaffer), loving wife of the late John L. York. Devoted mother of Jack (Gina) York, Jenny (Mark) Mahoney, Guy (Allison) York, and Julie Coppens. Beloved Nan of Jack Jr., Isabel, Elizabeth, Grace, Maggie, Max, Emily (Jayson), Ben, Peyton, and Seth. Dear sister of Joe Schaffer, Jerry Schaffer, Jean Hoelker, and Judy Thomas, all deceased. Sister-in-law of Barb Schaffer, Robin Schaffer, Dave Thomas, and the late Bill Hoelker; Bob and Carol York, Len (the late Carolyn) and Lourdes Stahl, and the late Cliff and Martha York. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Joan was born May 2, 1935, in Cincinnati, Ohio to Joe and Loretta Schaffer, a musical, fun-loving couple known for their over-the-top parties, holidays and vacations—traditions still honored by their descendants. Joan grew up in Price Hill, attending St. Teresa Catholic School and Seton High School, enjoying many activities (played sax in the band, was an Elder H.S. cheerleader) while managing her younger siblings. She earned a B.A. in business at the University of Cincinnati, one of just a few women in that class of 1957, and pledged Kappa Delta. She married Jack in 1959 and settled in White Oak. Joan could have been a Fortune 500 CFO in a later era; instead, her talents kept the family's real estate business afloat, and supported the office of Cincinnati Mayor Tom Luken as well as a number of community boards and nonprofits, such as the St. James Parish Athletic Association. Unfailingly generous with others while fiercely frugal herself, Joan also worked in retail (McAlpins, Lazarus etc.), for the discounts. Even after Jack's death in 2004, she never slowed down, enjoying many trips and evenings out with friends, catching all her grandkids' sports and performances, and playing the penny slots at the casino. How stubborn was Mom? How giving? How steady and sensible with her life advice? We could write a book—but she's already mad at us for spending too much on this long obit, so just one more word: moxie. She passed away Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021, at age 85. Private family visitation will be held. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, Feb. 27th at 10:00AM at St. James the Greater Church 3565 Hubble Road (45247), Livestream available at www.stjameswhiteoak.com. Facemasks and social distancing mandated by the State of Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Step Home 2203 Fulton Ave. (45206) (www.firststephome.org). Condolences may be expressed at Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Home www.mrfh.com.
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Claudia Hawkins
March 6, 2021
Our prayers go out to you and your family. So many wonderful memories to look back on - she was the matriarch of White Oak!
Prayers to you and your family.
Janie Krueger
February 27, 2021
Jenny, Jack, Guy, and Julie: I am so sorry for the loss of you’re Mother, “Mrs. York”. Very thankful, I could watch it this morning, Live Stream from TN. This am, it was such a beautiful Mass, and Jenny you captured you’re mother, Perfectly! What a beautiful tribute indeed. I felt all of you’re words, and they touched me deeply. You’re mother, was such a giving, caring person to all that she encountered. I always felt so welcomed into you’re home, on trips with the family, countless overnights, countless Pizza’s, snacks, parties, fun, all in the name of your mom, “Spreading the Love in her Heart”. She will be terribly missed Jen. Peace and Prayers, Janie Krueger Lyons.
Jenny Duncan
February 27, 2021
Dear Jack, Jenny ,Guy and Julie – I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. She is a Whiteoak icon! Our families have been blessed to be in each other’s lives for so many years, and now she and your Dad are having an awesome party (I am sure) in heaven with so many of their friends once again! Moxie for sure-such a spitfire of a woman who brought her energy everywhere she went! Extending our deepest sympathies to all of you and your families, as well as the Hoelker and Shaffer families. She will be missed – there was no one else like her! So grateful for her joyful presence in our lives!
Bill Plagge
February 27, 2021
Jack you have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother. She was really a neat lady. Now she can go and get together with your dad and the rest of the Schaffer family and make that great music her family was so well known for in Price Hill and Western Hills, in heaven.
Bill
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Jennifer Vaskovsky
February 26, 2021
Joan York my client my company visiting Ange is the s
Jenny Nagel
February 26, 2021
When you used the word Moxie for Mrs. York, that is spot on. She was a force, with high energy, indomitable spirit and fun to be around! Always had loving words for everyone with a smile to go along with them.
My thoughts are with the York family during this difficult time.
Linda & Eric Vaccariello/Burgmann
February 26, 2021
The first time we met Joan, we understood how this fun-loving, huge-hearted family came to be. Our thoughts go out to you all.
Jeannie Schneider-Maris & Dale Maris
February 26, 2021
I’m at a loss for words. She was one of my White Oak friends that got me through the death of my husband, Eddie
I so fondly remember the good times on our ladies baseball team, the Yorketts. Joan was not the greatest player (none of us were) but she was the most fun. To be with Joan anywhere meant you were gonna have a great time. After spending time with Joan I would go home feeling so happy to have a friend like her. Sending prayers to the York families. Joan will always be in our hearts
Sean O'Toole
February 25, 2021
Another great soul who has passed over the last year or so who without their help my children and I would not be here today (other is John Merritt Sr.) So many good memories of Mrs. York but the one that keeps coming back is seeing her and her beloved Jack Sr. and the rest of the musically talented Shaffer crew taking over the entertainment at so many parties and such over the years.
Mark Wilkins
February 25, 2021
Jack, Guy and the family, Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers this week. Mr. Wilkins!
Mike and Brenda Lewis
February 24, 2021
We are so sorry that your family has lost such a wonderful, loving mother and grandmother. You will be in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
Salem Macknee
February 24, 2021
I'm happy I was able to meet Joan and the rest of this vibrant family at Julie and Ken's wedding weekend. She had a rogueish wit and a twinkle in her eye that you would not expect of a matriarch, and when she got up to dance, well! Everyone in the family was delighted. The love and warmth you feel when spending time with this family will be her legacy. Keeping you all in my thoughts.
Melissa Beeler
February 24, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Tina Thiemann Kelley
February 24, 2021
My deepest and heartfelt sympathies for the York family. She was a beautiful soul and will be missed by so many. I will keep you all in my prayers
Matt Merritt
February 24, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with Jack, Jenny, Guy, Julie and the entire York family. Mrs. York lit up the room wherever she went, and I will always remember her beautiful smile and positive energy. One of my Mom and Dad's favorite stories was about her driving skills (or lack thereof) - a trait she and my mom had in common - and I am betting they are all now laughing together again in heaven. The joy and happiness Mrs. York brought to so many is a legacy of a life very well-lived.
Dianne Stehlin Berger
February 24, 2021
My prayers and thoughts are with the family. I knew her many years ago when Jack coached our ladies softball team. Great memories!
Paul Blake & family
February 24, 2021
Our deepest sympathies & condolences to the all of the beloved York families & friends on the passing of one great woman, Joan York. Although we did not know Joan nearly as well as her descendants, it was obvious she played a huuuge role in all of their lives as I write this on legacy.com about a true legend who was loved by sooo many. May God please bless Joan, family, friends, & us all through eternity in heaven. Amen ✝
Peache Nagel
February 24, 2021
What a remarkable lady. One of the most loving, giving, pretty and fun loving persons I ever met. I knew her since I was 14, about 70 years ago. My heart and deepest sympathy goes out to the entire York family. My prayers are certainly with you all.
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5527 Cheviot Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45247
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