Joan Marie Michalak, cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother died peacefully on June 25, 2024.  She was surrounded by family and caregivers who loved her very much.

Beloved wife of the late Ted. Dear mother of Michael (Liliana), Ken (Jennifer), Wayne (Rachel), and the late Chris (Laura), and Carolyn (Lorena). Grandmother of Rebekah (Jason) LaDuke, Joel (Micah),  Katelyn, Ella, Ryan, and Claire Michalak. Great grandmother of Kali and Madi. Sister of Joyce (Terry) O'Donnell, and the late Sharon Kolo. Sister in law of Robert Kolo.

Joan married Ted Michalak on May 26, 1956, and raised five children together.  Joan had a strong faith in God and believed in a good education.  She and her husband sacrificed to send their children to a private Catholic school.  Joan's faith in God has been passed on to her children and grandchildren.

Joan loved to host family events and would cook large meals for everyone.  She was an amazing hostess! Joan had a huge heart and always offered encouraging words to everyone she met.  She was a great listener and could talk for hours on the phone with her sister Joyce.

She loved music, especially the Beatles, and she passed on her love of music to her children and grandchildren, who all love the Beatles now. Joan loved to paint and sketch; she was very talented!  She shared her passion for art with her grandchildren and encouraged them to express themselves.  Passing on her love of art and music to the entire family is a big part of her legacy. Joan also taught art classes in her home and at St. Mel's. Joan held many jobs including recording secretary for the zoning board in Dearborn Heights.  She also ran her husband's appliance installation business from their home.  Joan was invaluable to her son Wayne when he started his own business.  Her proudest accomplishment was raising five children, guiding and nurturing them to become caring human beings, just like her.  Joan was loved by many and will be dearly missed.

Visitation Friday 3pm – 7pm with a 6pm Rosary. Funeral Service Saturday 10am at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home.