LANCASTER, Ohio – Joan Barbara (Grimm) Sleeper, 73, passed peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Friday, July 27, at Fairfield Medical Center. She and her loving husband, Frank E. Sleeper, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with family and friends this past May 19.

She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1933. She graduated from high school (Canton, Pa.) in 1951, and College Misericordia (Dallas, Pa.) in 1955, with degrees in chemistry and mathematics.

She was active in the Catholic community at St. Johns Church in Logan and Our Lady of Victory Church in Columbus. She retired from Highlights for Children in 1999, and spent the rest of her days in the Hocking Hills. She had numerous interests and activities. She loved her bridge club, her blueberry patch, teaching her grandchildren sewing and crafts, cross-stitching and playing Chinese checkers.

She is survived by her husband, Frank E. Sleeper of Sabattus; children, Mark (Christina) Sleeper, Terry Thorsen, Brian (Susanne) Sleeper, Mary Beth (Rob) Hamilton and John Sleeper; grandchildren, Lydia Sleeper, Donald, Erik and Heidi Thorsen, Martin, Madeline, and Kayleigh Sleeper and Robbie Hamilton; her dedicated sister, Helene Geisert (widow of George) of Queens, N.Y.; brother and sister-in-law, David and Lorraine Sleeper of Scotch Plains, N.Y.; nephews, Andrew (Diane), Steven (Jody) and Matthew Geisert; and niece, Lisa (Steve) Frangione.

She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Barbara (Raab) Grimm.