MILSOM

JOAN COATE

Joan Coate Milsom, age 100, of Fox Chapel, passed away peacefully on 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; sister of the late Betty Hauck and the late Charlotte Morrissey.

Born in Toledo, OH, and raised in Butler, PA, Joan was a renowned artist, community leader, lifelong equestrian, athlete, and trailblazer. She earned her B.F.A. from Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH, 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, OH.

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 long-time 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.

A memorial service will be held at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, 384 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Aviary at https://nationalaviary.givingfuel.com/general-donation. Arrangements by WEDDELL-AJAK FUNERAL HOME, Aspinwall.