Joann Bahn died peacefully on Friday, November 22, 2024, with her children Carol, Mark, Kathy, and devoted caregiver Lydia by her side.

Joann was born in Detroit, Michigan. She was the daughter of the late Mary and Aloysius Wenderski. Joann grew up in Detroit and attended St. Andrews High School in Detroit, Michigan. In 1955, she began her secretarial career at Michigan Bell Telephone Company in Detroit. From 1956-1957 spent a year at Detroit Commercial College and took classes in English and Shorthand. Joann worked a variety of jobs but began as a clerk at Neisner Five and Ten Store in Detroit. From 1968 to 1992 she worked for E. A. Hershey, M.D. (a thoracic surgeon) as a secretary, receptionist, and medical assistant. She cared deeply for the patients in the practice and did what she could to help many of the elderly patients. From 1992 until her retirement, she worked as a legal secretary. Joann also served as a Girl Scout Leader for over 10 years.

Joann was a loving, devoted, and hard-working wife, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She was married to Fred for over 63 years until his death last year. Together they raised four children in Inkster, Michigan. Mom was "the glue" that held the family together through many trying times even while working full time. Joann always made time for her grandchildren as well. She and Fred helped raised their granddaughter Cassandra and was an important part of her early childhood. She enjoyed caring for all her grandchildren and always had time for them especially in her retirement. She was well known for her dinners of apple pancakes made from an old family recipe.

Joann was an avid bowler. She bowled on women's leagues for years and also, couple's leagues with Fred, Kathy and Lawrence, and other family members. These were some of her most enjoyable times. Animals always held a special place in her heart. She rescued many over the years. She had a special love for her dogs Charlie and Buzz and loved taking them for long walks along Hines Drive. Joann also enjoyed her  feathered friends including her parakeets and the backyard birds that frequented her feeders.

Although Joann never expressed her dreams and aspirations out loud, she seemed "called" to help others. She frequently performed acts of kindness and was always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. Joann was a quiet warrior, and she endured the many challenges she faced with bravery. This was a comfort to her family who loved her so dearly.

Joann is survived by her four loving children Joan (Irv) LaLonde, Carol (Phil) MacFarland, Mark (Juls) Bahn, Kathy (Lawrence) Zane. Her cherished  grandchildren - Cassandra (John) LaValley, Seamus MacFarland, Mady Zane, Nicholas (Michelle Connor) Staels and great grandchildren - Madison LaValley, Connor Staels, Jeshua Staels, Emmie Staels, and Killian Staels. Dear sister of Donald (Kathryn) Wenderski. She is also survived her nephews, cousins and special friends and caregivers Lydia, Kiamba, and Jaresha.

Memorial Visitation Saturday 1pm until the 3 pm Memorial Service at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Skegemog Raptor Center in Grand Traverse County, MI. ( www.skegemograptorcenter.org) or Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit  ( www.metrodetroitanimals.org)