Obituaries

Joan Cavally, 98, of Cincinnati, OH, passed away on September 9, 2025. Joan was born on February 25, 1927 in Peru, IN, the daughter of Albert and Eliza Harrison. When Joan was in elementary school, she attended a PTA Meeting with her mother and the evening’s program featured a flute player. The next day, Joan went to the Jr. High
School, found the band director, and arrived home with her first flute. Thus began her life-long love of the instrument. Joan graduated from the College of Music at the University of Cincinnati with a BS in Music Education, and later earned her Master’s Degree at the Conservatory of Music of the university. She taught vocal music in the Cincinnati Public Schools for 20 years. In addition to teaching, Joan was a professional flutist in various venues around Cincinnati including the Cincinnati Zoo Opera, Schubert Theater Orchestra, Dayton Philharmonic, and Cincinnati Civic Orchestra. She was Principal Flutist for several symphonic bands including those conducted by George “Smittie” Smith, Andrew Brady, Herbert Tiemeyer, and Pete Metzger.

In 1955, Joan married Mr. Robert Cavally, Principal Flutist of the Cincinnati Symphony. Their joyous union was only ended by Robert’s death in 1994. In addition to their life-
long love of the flute and classical music, their home was always filled with many
friends, and several pet dogs and cats.

Joan was a member of several community organizations including Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity, Cincinnati Women’s Club, Women’s Clef Music Club, Clifton Music
Club, Matinee Musicale, and her own ensemble, Autumn Winds. She also served on
the Alumni Board of Directors of the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, and her stepson, Chris
Cavally. Joan will be sorely missed by her dearest loved ones including the families of
Jon Wolverton, Svetlana Ryan, Mary Ann Jordan, and Joe and Noel Dehner, and many others too numerous to list. Joan loved Cincinnati and was blessed to find her
extended family here. Joan is survived by two nieces, JoAnn Lepowsky, and Linda
George. Funeral Service will be Monday, September 15, 2025 at 10:30 Am Located in the Lakeview Chapel in Spring Grove Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by Allison Rose Funeral Home with internment at Spring Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of sympathy be sent to Sigma
Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity.