Milsom

Joan Coate Milsom, 100, of Fox Chapel, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

She was the beloved wife of the late Robert C. Milsom, to whom she was married in 1951; devoted mother of Christine M. (Thomas) Kobus, Robert C. (Toni) Milsom III and Mark C. (Vicki) Milsom; adored grandmother of Christy, Diana, Samantha, Robert IV, Cody, Alexandra, the late Kiah and bonus granddaughter, Mary. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

She was the daughter of the late Edward O. and Nell Miller; and sister of the late Betty Hauck and the late Charlotte Morrissey.

Born July 6, 1925, in Toledo, Ohio, and raised in Butler, Joan was a renowned artist, community leader, lifelong equestrian, athlete and trailblazer. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, where she was also a pioneering student-athlete and a proud Wittenberg Athletics Hall of Honor inductee. Joan exhibited in over 100 juried shows nationally and has artwork featured in many major collections. She was a visionary advocate for the arts, as a founder of the North Hills Arts Center in 1959, as the board president for the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts for eight years (leading a $5 million capital campaign) and as a director emeritus of both Wittenberg University and the Butler Museum of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio.

Joan was a lifelong horsewoman, riding her beloved Arabian horses into her late 90s. From 1994 through 1999, Joan volunteered to direct the 800-horse Hartwood Show Jumping Festival. She was also a longtime member of the Rolling Rock Club, the Duquesne Club and the Fox Chapel Golf Club, where she played on the women's golf team.

A vibrant force of nature, Joan’s legacy of art, leadership and love will endure.

Her family would like to thank the dedicated caregivers, led by Connie Pazoli, MSN, RN, for their devoted and compassionate attention to Joan’s every need during her last years.

MILSOM — A memorial service for Joan Coate Milsom, who died Wednesday, May 13, 2026, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 29, at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, 384 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Aviary at https://national-aviary.givingfuel.com/general-donation.

Arrangements are by WEDDELL-AJAK FUNERAL HOME, Aspinwall.

For more information, visit www.weddellajak.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.