Joelle Marie Einem

Joelle was born on May 30, 1982 in East Tawas, MI to Mark and Jane Einem. To their surprise, she arrived early while they were up north for a Memorial Day weekend. After coming home, she ended up back in the hospital due to jaundice and, eventually, additional complications. She was baptized while in the hospital by her grandfather, Edward Einem. Joelle started school at age 3 when she attended Old Village in Northville, a school for the severely multiply impaired children. She later attended Cooke School, where she stayed until she graduated at age 26.

Although Joelle was limited by her disabilities, she led a very active life. Following her years in school, she and a caregiver attended a day program for the disabled for several years. She later filled her days by doing activities like going to the movies, shopping, concerts in the park, walks through Northville, “s All About You”, swimming, etc.

Joelle loved to travel and went to Florida every winter along with her parents and best friends, Mike and Debbie Boyle. She enjoyed biking around Sanibel Island on her adapted bike. Every other year, she would go with the extended family to the Outer Banks, NC, and on alternating years to Culver, IN. On these trips, she loved pontoon boating with the family and shopping. And over the last 6 years, she also liked visiting her brother, Jeremy and family in California. (And, every year when they would come to visit around Christmas and take vacations with us).

Joelle spent time with her sister, Kristi, every week on Thursday nights while Mom and Dad had church commitments. She loved being around her nieces and all of the activity and entertainment that they brought. She also had the opportunity to see them as they regularly came over to visit, and she enjoyed going to their activities (soccer, volleyball, softball, swimming).

Joelle lived at home with mom and dad her entire life. But in addition to Mom and Dad, she was blessed with a whole host of awesome caregivers. Early in life, grandparents played an essential role and were always there for her, until they were no longer able. Grandma cared for her up until the age of 94. Her love for Joelle is what kept Grandma going that long, and Joelle loved her too. Over the years, God provided numerous loving and compassionate caregivers for her. Most recently, Riema, who became her best friend and part of our family, caring for Joelle for the last 8 and a half years, traveling with us, and bringing joy to her life. She was also blessed to have Susie, her PT, who visited her twice a week for the last 18 years.

She loved watching Hallmark movies with mom and “Family Feud” with dad and laughing along with her nieces at "AFV" (Americas Funniest Videos). Joelle became part of the pickleball community as she would be Mom and Dads number one fan on the sideline and was accepted as a beloved member of the group.

Although she never spoke a word, her smile conveyed the joy and love that God had placed in her heart. She loved her Christ Church family and was deeply loved by them. She also loved participating in worship. Her favorite music was Christian worship on K-Love and country.

Joelle was a blessing beyond what we could have imagined. We have learned so much through her, and our lives will be forever enriched by her. Some have said that God doesnt make mistakes, and Joelles life is proof of that. He takes what we see as tragedy and has purpose and blessing in it as He works out His plan in every circumstance.

Today, Joelle is with Jesus, whole, happy, and able to worship like never before. We will see her again, and it wont be soon enough.

Joelle is survived by her parents, Mark and Jane, her siblings, Kristi (Arden) Smith and Jeremy (Caley) Einem, and her nieces: Braelyn, Everly, Harlow, Mia, Riley, and Harper. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Edward and Marion Einem and Clarence and Shirley Fischer.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 30 from 5pm-8pm at Harry J. Will Funeral Home. Funeral service will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 11am (Instate viewing at 10am) at Christ Church of Redford 14350 Wormer, Redford, MI 48239.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Christ Church of Redford Hunger Fund (an outreach to the community), Westside Christian Academy, or a charity of your choice.