Joan Yvonne Spadafore

East Lansing, Michigan

Joan was born April 5, 1931 and passed away on November 2, 2013. Joan was preceded in death by her mother and father, Allene and August Sabrosky; her sisters and their spouses, Mary Ellen and Joe Richard and Joyce and Lou Liscio.

Surviving Joan’s passing is her loving and caring husband of 65 years, Andy, who kept her home after her stroke for over ten years with the help of Joan’s many caregivers. Also surviving are Joan’s three sons, Chuck and Jeanne Spadafore, Mike and Nancy Spadafore, and Nick and Chanin Spadafore; and her daughter, Ginger and Dick Carrigan. Joan is also survived by her 14 loving grandchildren and her 14 wonderful great grandchildren along with her many loving nieces and nephews.

Joan will truly be remembered for her courageous will and heart while coping with the many trials and challenges stroke survivors encounter. Joan never lost her sense of humor during her illness indulging many with her famous pirate and burger king jokes. Joan will also be remembered for her ability to master many Italian recipes even though her nationality was Polish, English, and Irish. Throughout Joan’s life she worked hard at and truly enjoyed being a tremendous homemaker, raising her children and keeping the house and yard always spotless. She prided herself on her tasteful appearance as well as her children’s! Joan was an avid Tiger and Spartan basketball fan. Joan loved dogs, figure skating, cards, scrabble and of course an occasional “white zin”. Mostly though, Joan loved being around her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren enjoying the many memorable get-togethers around the holidays and other special occasions. She especially liked having the family together boating and vacationing on Lake Michigan in Holland and in Florida.

Joan’s life inspired many and her love will always be remembered.

The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Isaacs, Dr. Hansen and the many caregivers who assisted Joan over the years especially Carol and also, Joretta, Lynn, Jennifer and Jo. We would also like to thank Hospice of Sparrow for their compassionate assistance in Joan’s final days.

The family will kindly welcome all those wishing to commemorate Joan’s passing with visitations taking place at

4:30~8:00 PM on Monday, November 4, 2013 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 955 Alton Rd., East Lansing, Michigan with rosary being recited at 7:30 PM. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in memory of Joan to: Lansing Catholic High School, 501 N. Marshall St., Lansing, MI 48912 or St. Vincent’s Catholic Charities 2800 W. Willow St., Lansing, MI 48917. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing.