JOAN FRANCES (KERN) COTTON 78, died October 15, 2015 at Sunset Village in Sylvania, Ohio surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frances and Joseph Kern and husband, John Robert (Bob) Cotton. She is survived by daughters Heather Cole (David) of Maumee, OH; Laura Cotton of Gates Mills, OH; and Christie Turnbull (Greg) of Zionsville, IN. She adored her grandchildren: Katy, Robbie and Michael Cole, Riley, Elizabeth, Wesley and Jack Turnbull who called her Mimi.

Born in Cleveland with hip dysplasia, she overcame many physical obstacles. Joanie decided early on that exercise was the key to managing her ailments. Her strong Slovenian work ethic helped secure her first job (age 13) at the YMCA. She graduated from Collinwood High. She met her husband while working as summer camp counselors. She earned a B.A. in Health and Physical Education from Kent State University where she was a member of Delta Gamma sorority. She later received her Master's Degree in Education from Cleveland State University. She was a passionate community volunteer. She started a swim program in Mayfield Village where she lived for more than 40 years, and founded the Mayfield Recreation Council. She was a Health and PE teacher for school age through College level. She created and taught Fitness and You for 28 years. In the 80's, Joan worked at Digital Equipment Corporation where she embraced computer technology. Joan was a lifelong learner who loved her family, friends, dogs, and birds. She enjoyed numerous arts and crafts, was active at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church and was a member at Pymatuning Yacht Club for 43 years. An avid supporter of animal rescue programs, she and her husband fostered many dogs. She treasured her time as a volunteer at Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland after retiring.

A Memorial service will be held at St. Christopher's-by-the-River, 7601 Old Mill Road Gates Mills, OH on Friday, November 6th at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of her many passions (note Joan Cotton in memo): Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland, 10415 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106; Rescue Village/Geauga County Humane Society, 15463 Chillicothe Road Russell Twp., OH 44072; or Euclid Family YMCA, 631 Babbit Road, Euclid OH 44123.