Joan Sear Lustig

Joan Sear Lustig of Gahanna passed away Sunday, August 10, 2014 after a brave battle against ovarian cancer. She was 53.

Joan was preceded in death by her father David Sear, and mother-in-law, Ellie Lustig. Survived by her husband of 29 years, Todd Lustig, son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Sara Lustig, and sons, Robert and Benjamin Lustig. Also survived by her mother, Carol Sear, sister and brother-in-law, Lynne and Tommy Vest, brother, Brian Sear, and nieces, Haley and Erin Vest, father-in-law, Alan Lustig, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jay and Julie Lustig, and niece and nephews Meredith, Dylan and Nick Lustig, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

Originally from Petersburg, Virginia, Joan attended at Mary Washington College, and graduated from the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in occupational therapy. She was a gifted occupational therapist who improved the lives of many patients with her expertise in lymphedema and pediatric occupational therapy. Ohio Health recognized her with a Prism Award for compassion in 2006.

Joan was an excellent baker and a friend to all, always there with a noodle kugel, a very special chocolate cake, or her famous carrot cake for just the right occasion. She enjoyed volunteering with Gahanna Lincoln High School theatre productions and was a longtime member of Temple Israel.

Joan will be remembered as a devoted and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. The world is a better place because she was in it, even for much too short a time. May her memory always be a blessing.

Funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 12 at Temple Israel, 5419 East Broad Street, Columbus. Burial will follow at New Temple Israel Cemetery. Shiva will be observed at the Lustig home on Tuesday and Wednesday, from 7-9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance at www.ovariancancer.org.