Joan Marie Magee

I’m no longer here,

I’ve a date with a

butterfly to dance in the air.

I’ll be singing in the

sunshine, wild and free

playing tag with the wind

while I’m watching over thee.

Joan Chambers Magee touched so many in her life, her smile radiated like the sun’s rays!

Joan Magee passed on April 18, 2020 due to complications of covid 19.

She was born May 19th in Grosse Pointe Woods in 1954. During her younger days, Joan enjoyed hanging out and playing croquet and cards with her family. Joan and her little sister, Julia played school, house, barbies, and “Miss America” for hours. Another fun time was going to stay with the cousins in Ohio, many memories of playing outside and more games.

Joan went to Monteith Elementary and then to Grosse Pointe North graduating in 1973. She started working in the kitchen at St. John’s Hospital in 1972 and retired 26 years later. While in high school she dated and married Jim Magee in 1979.

They had 2 girls together, Kim Magee and Julie Magee Wallace. Joan was so happy and proud of Kim and Julie. When her grandkids Justin and Madelyn Wallace came along they really brightened her days.

Joan started having health problems when working, so she had to retire early. However, she kept up such a positive attitude, saying, “Someone has it worse off than me”...and also the quote from mom “Everything happens for a reason.” Her strong will and Catholic faith kept her going. She would pray on the rosary for others many times throughout her life. She eventually had to move to Church of Christ Assisted Living and then their nursing home because of health problems.

Joan loved to get together with family and friends whenever she could, and of course play cards! She won many games of euchre! She loved to crochet blankets and hats for others. She also enjoyed drinking diet coke, sometimes water, and eating mexican style food.

Joan was one of the sweetest women in this world. In her last years of life she always thanked the nursing home staff and family for everything! Really! And she spread her joy and love all over. Joan was a natural born teacher. She taught so many patience, understanding, and empathy without even knowing! Wherever Joan went she made friends as she was an outgoing woman. The nursing home staff loved her and called her Boss! Most of her day she would be out in the halls or in activities, cards, bingo, music and singing.

We are all blessed for having her in our lives! Picture Joan free, dancing in heaven but also praying for peace for all down here on earth. From time to time Joan is drinking her diet coke, eating some great food, and playing cards.

Loved ones that cleared the path to heaven for her father, Charles Chambers, mother, Rita Chambers Cua, aunts Irene Fox and Lillian Snider, other relatives, some good friends, Anne Langois, and Barb Ellis.

Loved ones that will miss Joan, are daughters, Kim Magee, fiance, (Kyle LaFontaine), Julie Magee Wallace,(Gary Wallace), Jim Magee, grandchildren, Justin and Madelyn Wallace, Siblings, Kathy Turcotte, Tom Chambers (Marilyn Wojczan) Julia Chambers, (Mark Tucker), Nieces and nephews, Heidi Johnson, Zack Johnson (Tracy Smedes-Hepler). Matt Turcotte, and Tom Turcotte as well as cousins especially, Joan and Joe Paxton in Ohio. Joan had many friends but Jenelle and Ron Stultz were her closest.

Think of Joan from time to time...and that big smile will appear in your mind.

Unfortunately, we are unable to be together at this time due to Covid 19. We will celebrate Joan’s life here on earth later. Those wishing to make a donation in Joan’s name please do so to the organization of your choice. She loved helping others in anyway she could!