Joan Elaine Dwyer

Joan E. Dwyer, age 76, died Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at Henry Ford Hospital in Clinton Township. She was born on June 18, 1934 in Detroit, the daughter of the late Arnold and the late Sarah "Sadie" (nee: MacDonald) Riley. With her roots stemming from that of a family of ship builders from Nova Scotia, Joan's claim-to-fame was definitely rooted in her expressions through art and design. An artist by nature, her paintings and talents in the art of decoupage offered but a mere glimpse into the heart and depths of this creative lady. Her decoupage skills were not only that of personal expression, but also sought after by the many students who enrolled in the classes she taught on the subject. Also, for many years, Joan was the owner & proprietor of an art store at 18 Mile & Garfield in Clinton Township known as, "Paint'N'Paste." Along with these talents, Joan's creative side encompassed so much more. Not only was her work on canvas and the work of her hands a thing to behold, she was also gifted in the art of interior design. With credentials as an ASID Board Certified Member in the Interior Design industry, Joan enjoyed working her magic in creating that "special ambiance" for her clients. Like an artist with a blank canvas and a palate full of paint, she could take a lifeless room and make it a visual masterpiece fit for royalty. Quite often, you would find Joan sharing her gifts and expertise of this genre throughout the various Home-A-Rama's in the area. From a more social-oriented note, Joan was also quite proud and honored to hold the position of board member of the Macomb Family Services organization. She possessed a true heart of compassion in reaching out to help others through her leadership and guidance in the community. More personally, Joan loved to travel and entertain. And her greatest entertainment was always centered around the outstanding meals she cooked and the scrumptious goodies she baked. She definitely knew her way around the kitchen, and the way to her loved one's hearts,...obviously, through their bellies! When it came to her family & friends, she had the biggest heart of all. And of all the gifts she possessed, none was greater than the love she carried and shared with each & every one of them. Joan leaves behind a legacy of love and care that goes unmatched, and which will be remembered for all eternity. She will be missed immensely. Beloved wife of Daniel A. Dwyer. Dear mother of Laurie A. Manes, Jeannie Smith, Kenneth W. (Holly) Manes, Suzanne (Herb) Dwyer, James M. Manes, and Karrie M. Manes. Loving grandmother of ten, and great-grandmother of one. Stepmother of Michael Dwyer and Patricia Bartos. Sister of Patricia Galdoni, Mary Ann Bencivenga, Helen Matta, and Arnold Riley Jr. A Memorial Visitation for Joan will be held Friday, December 17th from 4-9pm, with a 7pm Rosary Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile Rd) in Warren. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 9:30am on Saturday at St. Michael Catholic Church, 40501 Hayes Road in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Please share memories of Joan at her guest book.