Joann Marie Tsangalias

Joann grew up in Grosse Pointe on Fisher Rd. and often told her family stories about living just feet away from her schools, Richard Elementary School and Grosse Pointe High School, as well as the Punch and Judy Theater and other well-known Grosse Pointe landmarks.

She was very involved in her church youth group and met the love of her life, Stelios Tsangalias, after he arrived in Detroit to do his surgical residency. He was looking for a Greek church to attend and Assumption Greek Orthodox Church was suggested. Joann’s parents kindly invited the newcomer to dinner. Stelios quickly caught Joann’s eye and it wasn’t long before they were married in March 1964. Within several years they were blessed with three daughters.

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Joann led a vibrant joyful life and was well known for her hearty, contagious laugh. The consummate host, Joann loved to entertain friends and family, cooking delicious Greek delicacies, and getting everyone on the dance floor at weddings. She loved her family above all else. Her generosity toward them was boundless, not just material, but more importantly her time, energy, attention, and love. Of her many roles in life, her favorite might have been Grandma. And she excelled at this role, showering endless love and attention on her grandkids, getting to know each one, and celebrating them all.

Joann was a natural caretaker in her professional and personal life. Following graduation from Grosse Pointe High School, she became a dental hygienist at age 20 and many years later went back to school and earned her credentials and license as a Registered Nurse. As an RN, her compassionate nature led her toward caring for hospice patients and nursing home residents.

She befriended people wherever she went, maintaining beautiful life-long friendships that she valued, connecting deeply and making sure that each friend knew how special they were to her. She traveled the world with her husband Stelios, and visited her daughters and their families often because family was everything. She loved gardening, yoga, cooking and baking, and even owned and ran a bakery for a while. In her typical generous spirit, she often gave away more baked treats than she sold. She truly enjoyed spending time by the Gulf of Mexico on Longboat Key at her beloved vacation home, Delphinia.

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She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Steve Tsangalias; sister Sylvia Stuart; daughters Cindi Portwood (Richard), Penelope Tsangalias Mulch (Theodore), and Stacy Jurgiel (Robert) and grandchildren Max Portwood, Olivia Jurgiel, Ally Portwood, Joanna Jurgiel, George Jurgiel, Cooper Mulch, Chloe Mulch, and Ruby Jurgiel.

Joann was a huge advocate for positive mental health. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NAMI Michigan (National Alliance on Mental Health) at www.namimi.org. or any organization that supports mental health as well as the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church.

Visitation will be held from 10am to 11 am with funeral service to follow at 11am, Saturday, April 26.

Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, St. Clair Shores, Mi.

May her memory be eternal.