Joan Kathlyn Gallagher

Joan was the beloved daughter of George and Margaret (nee Mallick) Heidt and sister of George Heidt and Margery Motchall, all now deceased.

Joan attended St. Paul on the Lake Catholic School, where she met most of her friends. She cherished those friendships until her passing, as they continued to meet for breakfast on a regular basis.

Joan studied at Michigan State University and became a teacher at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic School. She also volunteered with the Christ Child Society of Detroit and the Bon Secours Assistance League for several years.

Joan loved to read novels and work on puzzles. She was an avid golfer and tennis player for many years. She rarely missed watching the Detroit Tigers and Michigan State University football and basketball games.

As a grandmother, Joan always was available to watch the kids as they grew up and was their biggest fan. She enjoyed taking her grandchildren shopping and out for lunch. She rarely missed a sporting event, school play or recital, whether held locally or in Akron, Ohio.

Joan is survived by her sons, Dan (Mary Kay) and Rick (Joelle). She was a proud grandmother to Ryan, Daniel, Annie Mitchell (Ryan), Cailin, Joey, Elizabeth, Lindsay, Meghan, Kelly, Jesse and Casey. Joan was predeceased by her parents; siblings, George Heidt and Margery Motchall; as well as her son, Tim, in 2015, and her husband, Richard, who predeceased her Jan. 3, 2025.

Joan will lie in state at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 22, at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, 157 Lakeshore, Grosse Pointe Farms, until the time of her funeral Mass at 10 a.m.