Joan M Calder

Joan is survived by her husband of 59 years: Max Calder; daughters: Angelique Calder, Monique (Tory) Page, Nicole (Steve) Pasikowski and Michelle Calder; and her cherished grandchildren: Jordan Page, Wesley Pasikowski, Jason Pasikowski, Jack Copeland, Quinton Page and Taylor Copeland; brother: William “Willie” Fosnight Jr.; and cousins: Lee (Kay) Mascho and Mary (Carey) Armstrong. She is preceded in death by her parents William H. Fosnight Sr. and Loretta I. Fosnight (Herman).

She grew up in Grand Ledge and Delta Township and graduated from Sexton High School. Joan worked for the State of Michigan as a secretary. She met and married the love of her life, Max Calder in 1965. Max and Joan settled in DeWitt Township, Michigan, where they have remained, in their special home her father, Bill built for them.

Joan was an amazing and passionate person in her day. While raising 4 young daughters, she completed her Bachelor’s degree, in Education and graduated from Michigan State University. She was a substitute teacher briefly in the Lansing area, but decided to return to secretarial work for both the Federal government and the State of Michigan. She retired from the Health Department in 2002.

Travelling was one of her many passions. She and Max traveled extensively all over the US and internationally. They had many wonderful trips to Europe to see relatives in Belfort, France and also traveled to Australia and Egypt. In their later years, the enjoyed many trips to their log cabin in Hulbert, Michigan.

She enjoyed spending time with her grandkids and spoiling them immensely with cupcakes and love. One memory comes to mind of a time when she was visiting Angelique and she got up early to decorate Angelique’s house for Halloween to surprise the kids, as she always had a sweet fun holiday spirit.

Joan was a voice for the voiceless. She was an advocate for the unborn, native Americans, widows, as well as horse and animal rescue organizations. She testified at the State House of Representatives against laws allowing wolf hunting in Michigan, which she was passionately against.

Lastly, Joan was a devout Catholic and lifelong member of St. Jude’s Catholic Church in DeWitt. She loved the Lord Jesus Christ and lived a life endeavoring to honor him. She believed that God worked through people and attempted to honor him with many kind words and actions to those she came across. She loved flowers, especially orchids, and would often brighten people’s day by bringing them a special bouquet she’d lovingly prepare from her own garden. Her passionate spirit will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her, but she’ll live on in our hearts forever.

A visitation for Joan will be held Thursday, December 26, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 205 E Washington, DeWitt, MI 48820. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, December 30, 2024, at 11:00 AM with a visitation one hour prior at St. Jude Catholic Church, 801 N Bridge St, DeWitt, MI 48820. Interment to follow at DeWitt City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joan may be made to the Sierra Club or St. Vincent Catholic Charities.