Joan Riebow

Joan Riebow, of Cumming, GA, passed away in her home on Thursday, June 25, 2026. She had recently celebrated her 100th birthday with a surprise gathering of her children, their spouses and many of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Joan was born in Cleveland, Ohio on June 1, 1926 to Warren and Norma Sherman. Her family relocated many times throughout her youth eventually moving to Pelham, New York when Joan was a teenager. She graduated from Middlebury College and soon after married Everett Hicks and began raising a family in Port Washington, NY.

In later years Joan remarried to Robert Riebow and they enjoyed many happy retirement years together in North Carolina, Florida, and traveling the world on numerous cruises. She remained close with Bob’s three children until the end.

Joan was athletic and especially enjoyed golf and tennis, which she played until she no longer had peers left to play with. She then became a fan and avidly followed her favorite athletes who were always ones who exhibited class and good sportsmanship.

She has been remembered recently as an “elegant” lady. She had great willpower and spent virtually all her adult life “watching her figure”. Although she definitely had a sweet tooth, anyone serving her a dessert soon found out that what might be considered a small portion to most was at least twice what she wanted.

She grew up during the depression and World War II, so frugality, making do and not complaining, was part of her experience and upbringing. However, being frugal did not mean being cheap and she was very generous throughout her life.

As much as elegant describes her well, Mom and Grandma describes her better. She often said “you never stop worrying about your kids” and the happiness and welfare of her family never left her thoughts.

Joan was predeceased by both of her husbands and her brother Mark, who passed away at what seems like the relatively young age of 94 when compared to his “Sis”.

She is survived by her three children, Mark Hicks, Lindsay Reeves and Jeff Hicks; their respective spouses, Bonnie Hicks, Dave Reeves, and Ann Hicks; three step children, Nancy Riebow, Linda Attkisson and Robert Riebow Jr.; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Joan’s family would like to express their extreme gratitude to the wonderful caregivers who allowed Joan to remain in her home until the end of her life.

The family anticipates having a celebration of life service in the fall at a date to be determined.