Johanna Louise Hanover Sullivan

Johanna “Joey” Louise Hanover (Sullivan) passed away peacefully on November 22, 2023 at the age of 90. Joey was born on June 30, 1933 in Seattle, WA to Marguerite “Gretchen” Minard and Everett Lawrence Minard. She and her brother enjoyed spending idyllic summers with their grandparents at their cabin in the mountains on Lake Wenatchee. There, she met her future husband, James “Jim” William Hanover, when she was just 15.

Joey was a graduate of St. Nicholas School and attended the University of Washington where she was a member of the Alpha Phi sorority. After two years at the university, Joey married Jim and started a family. Together, they embarked on many adventures as a family as his occupations and passions of forestry and the Air Force service moved them from homes across the country including Seattle, WA, Juneau, AK, Sandpoint, ID, Spokane, WA, Springfield, MA, Moscow, ID, and Bethany, CT, before purchasing their “forever” home with 40 acres. “I’m done moving,” she declared as she and Jim settled down to raise their five children in Mason, MI. She lived there for 57 years.

While in Mason, MI, Jim and Joey opened their home to host Michigan State University graduate students from all over the world. Jim’s students quickly became their extended family. Joey was a faithful, loyal friend and loved family gatherings, spending time with friends, and helping those in need. She was charitable to anyone around her who needed help.

Joey lived a life of service and devotion to the Lord. She was a member of St. Augustine Of Canterbury Episcopal congregation where she was instrumental in several ministries there. She led many children to know Christ through teaching Sunday School there for decades. “Joey WAS that Church”, said a close friend. St. Augustine’s was fervently beloved by Joey.

Joey had an artistic mind. She enjoyed drawing, painting, weaving, and had a passion for spinning wool. Joey spun wool to knit scarves, hats, and mittens. There was no such thing as junk, as everything she collected could be turned into a unique and beautiful art project. Joey also had an unending love for nature and animals, and loved her granddogs and cats. She spent her years raising horses, sheep, dogs, and cats, and tending to her garden. She especially enjoyed sharing the beauty of nature with her children and grandchildren at her Rose Lake cottage in Northern Michigan.

Several years after the passing of her first husband, Jim, Joey married George Sullivan. They spent 16 happy, golden years together, visiting family in Washington, Florida, and California. They enjoyed summer weekends at Rose Lake, attending plays, the symphony, and traveling.

Joey is survived by her five children; James Hanover Jr., Mary (Terry Gregory) Hanover, Kelly (Terry) Hall, Karl (Heather) Hanover, and Peter (Amy) Hanover, as well as, her nine grandchildren; Katherine (Jacob) Guyski, Simon Hanover, Chelsea (Evan) Case, Jamella Hanover, Samuel (Bailee) Hanover, Emily (Dirk) Greene, Olivia Hanover, Sophia Hanover, and Gabriella Hanover. Joey also has four great-grandchildren. Additionally, surviving her are Joey’s two nephews, Michael Minard and Frank (Dee) Minard.

Preceding Joey in death were her husbands Jim Hanover (1991) and George Sullivan (2020). Her brother Laury Minard Jr. (2021), sister-in-law Nancy Minard (2020), nephew Everett Lawrence Minard III (2001), and his daughter Julia Minard (2005). A grand celebration of Joey’s life was attended by her precious friends and family on her 90th birthday, this past June. The beautiful cake read, “Loved 90 Years.” The family is planning a memorial service for Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 1:00pm at St. Augustine Of Canterbury Episcopal Church, 546 W. South St., Mason, MI 48854.