Joanne Irene Hughes, age 73, passed away at 8:53 am on Monday, August 19, 2019 surrounded by family in her home in Livonia, Michigan. She was born on December 13, 1945 to George Walsh and Jennie (Sangolt) Walsh at Grace Hospital in Detroit. The youngest of three, she grew up in Utica, Michigan with her sister Joyce (Walsh) Herbert and brother Robert Walsh.
Joanne’s commitment to education and willingness to carve her own path began at a young age. She graduated high school two years early at age 16 in 1962, after which she pursued multiple degrees and advanced credentials in education and teaching. In 1965, she earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from Oakland University, followed by a Masters in Teaching from Oakland in 1976. At Michigan State University, she successfully completed the coursework and boards for a Ph.D. in Education, all of which she applied to a lengthy and rewarding career as a teacher and school administrator.
Joanne dedicated 15 years of her service to the field of education at Almont Public Schools, followed by over two decades at Livonia Public Schools. She began as a sixth grade teacher in Almont, quickly rising to the role of principal at the middle school and, later, principal of a K-8 building. From 1986 to 2007, she cherished her time as a principal in Livonia, serving at the Elementary Schools of Kennedy, Marshall, and Randolph.
Joanne is preceded in death by her brother Robert. She is survived by her sister Joyce, daughter Shawn Marie (Regan) Parsons, son Michael John Regan, and six granddaughters, all of whom consider her their greatest role model. The memory of Joanne’s natural and unwavering ability to empower all those she met along her path will be forever treasured by her family, friends, and former colleagues alike.
In Joanne’s own words:
“I had a beautiful and blessed life. I loved my family and friends passionately and they were all (and more) that anyone could ask for.”
A visitation for Joanne will be held Friday, August 23, 2019 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Harry J Will Funeral Homes, 37000 W. Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152. A funeral in state will occur Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 10:30 AM at St Edith Catholic Church, 15089 Newburgh Rd, Livonia, Michigan 48154 with a funeral mass at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will follow at the church hall immediately after Mass.
Contributions in Joanne's memory may be made to American Heart Association; and American Cancer Society.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared through the online guestbook for the Hughes family.
