Joan LeGro Bushnell

Joan LeGro Bushnell, age 86, passed away on December 4, 2023. Beloved wife to the late George Bushnell. Cherished mother to David (Helene) Bushnell. Adored grandma to Trent Bushnell, Tate Bushnell, Joy Beth Mangus, Matthew Mangus, and Ava Taylor.

Joan was born and raised in Detroit, MI on March 20, 1937 to Frank and Emily LeGro. Throughout her life, Joan wore many hats - author, actress, playwright, poet, nightclub vocalist, composer, educator - just to name few. Joan immersed herself in the world of theatrics - singing at the age of three, composing music at the age of seven, and having her poetry published in National Anthology in the seventh grade.

She filled her brain with the knowledge of theatre arts and writing by attending various colleges across the United States - from Massachusetts to Vermont and even California. After college, Joan was offered a position to co-host Michigan’s first FM Radio talk show and achieved her licensure with the Federal Communications Commission.

While singing at a local piano bar in the Bahamas, Joan met the true love of her life - George Bushnell. It was love at first sight. Just over a year later, the two were married and brought their son, David, into the world. George and Joan each shared the importance of appreciation and knowledge of theatre arts with their son David.

Joan’s success continued to flourish as she grew into her new life of marriage and motherhood. One of her own melodramas, in which she not only authored but composed as well, was performed at the esteemed Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.

After George’s passing, Joan still continued to write and direct various plays and even authored a few recipe books. She adopted her dear dachshund, Sophie, who became her favorite child (unbeknownst to David).

Joan showcased the life of a true thespian. She will be truly missed.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday January 13, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Christ Church Grosse Pointe, 61 Grosse Pointe Blvd, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joan’s name to the Fine Arts Society of Detroit or the Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society.