Joan Marie Zito

She was the 4th child of the late Dolphus and Adele LaFave (Jackett) born August 2, 1954 in Flint, Michigan.

She attended Holy Family School and Grand Blanc High School, graduating in 1972 before going on to obtain degrees from Ferris State University, Baker College and finally her Doctorate from Wayne State University. Joan married Daniel Zito in 1974 and were married for 48 years.

Joan will be reunited in Heaven with her son, Thomas Joseph Zito; and parents, Dolphis Joseph LaFave and Adele Agnes Jackett LaFave. She is survived by her husband, Daniel Zito; daughter, Andrea Zito; son, Francis Zito (Renee); her beloved grandchildren: Kash Thomas and Amelia Harper Zito; brothers and sisters: Gerald Joseph LaFave (Carla), Janis Kay Ward (Bailey), James Dolphis LaFave (Judith), and Julie Anne Folsom (Edward); along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law.

For the past 30 years, she taught Digital Technology at many colleges and universities, including Mott College, Baker College, Northwood University, and Davenport University.

Joan had more hobbies than we could count. She was active in the community as a member of the Genesee County Republican Party, and member of the Oakland County Sportsman Club. A lover of music, she frequently enjoyed the Flint Symphony. She was a bee keeper, a great vegetable gardener, and a lover of animals. In 1990, she was selected as Homemaker of the Year at the Genesee County Fair. She was a golfer, enjoyed boating, and water skiing. Above all of her hobbies and ways to spend her time, her most favorite way was to spend time with her children and grandchildren.

The family will greet guests from 12:00pm until 5:00pm on Wednesday, April 20, at Hill Funeral Home, 11723 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 21, at 10am at Holy Family Catholic Church, 11804 S. Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc. Interment will occur at Evergreen Cemetery following funeral mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Make A Wish Foundation.