Remembering Joanne Ursenbach

Joanne Ursenbach, of the South Hills of Pittsburgh, unexpectedly died on Friday, May 10, 2024.

A true artist in all aspects, Joanne graduated from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. She held a deep appreciation for nature and beauty, had a natural sophistication about her and was a skilled artist. She loved to travel and take long drives, bringing her sister, niece and nephew along on many adventures. She loved to share her joy, excellent cooking and extensive knowledge of art and film with those closest to her. 

Joanne began her career at Dietrich College in 1998. During her time with the college she served as the senior administrative coordinator in the Dean’s Office. In this role, she touched many programs across the college.

Joanne worked closely with Joseph Devine, associate dean for undergraduate studies at Dietrich College, on the management of internship opportunities, grant programs and the student study abroad scholarships. She was also integral in the successful and seamless coordination of the Phi Beta Kappa chapter at Carnegie Mellon University.

“One of Joanne's trademarks was the ability to anticipate these tasks on a cyclical basis, and to make sure I was attending to them in a timely manner,” said Devine. “Even now, I'm re-discovering, day-to-day, how much I relied on Joanne for so many things, and how much I miss her — her work and her friendship.” 

In addition to her work with Devine, Joanne played an integral role in the publication of the weekly Monday Mailer to inform students of activities, events and opportunities across the college and campus. She was always intentional in her selection of featured information, truly considering what students might care about most. This thoughtfulness and care were a trademark of her work and her personality.

“Even now, I'm re-discovering, day-to-day, how much I relied on Joanne for so many things, and how much I miss her — her work and her friendship.” 

Joanne wore many hats at Dietrich College: in addition to her other responsibilities, she maintained and updated the calendar listings for Dean’s Office-related events on the Dietrich College and university-wide calendars. She also provided marketing and communications support for The Humanities Center, Humanities Scholars Program and Center for the Arts in Society. Her work, often invisible, was the thread that held many programs together and kept projects moving forward.

Joanne was the devoted daughter of the late C. Harvey and Marilyn (Redman) Ursenbach; loving sister of Carol Hennessy, Barbara Lamb, Susan Morrison, David and the late Stephen Ursenbach; cherished aunt of Jessica and Nathan Morrison; Kathleen, Kevin and Daniel Hennessy; Gabriel, Ethan, Jordan and Micah Lamb; and Olivia and Julia Ursenbach; great aunt of nephews and a niece.

Few words are able to explain the comfortable ease that Joanne exuded, and the light and joy she brought to many. She was a pillar of strength and support to her close family and devoted much time of her life to those important to her. Joanne will be missed by her family and by her many friends at Dietrich College and Carnegie Mellon University.