Joan Marie Gagnier-Dallape

Joan Marie Gagnier-Dallape (Joanie), 62, of Fowlerville, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at her home. Joanie was born April 25, 1961, in Rochester, Michigan, to the late Patricia and Pierre H. Gagnier. Beloved wife of Scott Cantrell. Proud mother of Anthony Dallape of Howell, Michigan; Dominic Dallape (Kerstin) of Chalfont, Pennsylvania; and Gianna Dallape of Moab, Utah. Treasured sibling of Pierre H. Gagnier (Nancy) of Maplewood, New Jersey; Suzanne H. Bertrand of Milford, Michigan; Joseph M. Gagnier (JoAnn) of Fenton, Michigan; William A. Gagnier (Diane) of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; Gabrielle Gagnier (Haidar Belushi) of Ann Arbor, Michigan; John F. Gagnier (Nadia) of New York City, New York; and James M. Gagnier (Torrey) of Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. She is predeceased by her former husband, Leon A. Dallape of Howell, Michigan and beloved nephews Michael Bertrand and Andrew Gagnier.

Joanie was famously delivered by her father, Pete, in the back of the family car on the way to the hospital. She grew up in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, the middle child in a family of ten. From an early age, she loved caring for her younger siblings. After high school, Joanie tried different careers and, following her father, eventually settled into accounting. Later, after marrying and starting a family, she passionately devoted herself to her children. When the kids were school-aged, Joanie found inspiring work teaching autistic and special-needs children in the Brighton area. As her children moved into adulthood, Joanie entered a new chapter. She became more and more dedicated to her parents as they transitioned to their golden years, and she embarked on a new life with her soulmate, Scott Cantrell. During this time, Joanie’s joi de vivre made her special to be around. She traveled the country with Scott, a long-haul driver, eventually getting her own CDL license to help with the driving. With each trip, she returned to Michigan wide-eyed with delightful stories to share.

Joanie was a cornerstone of her family for her entire life. While ever a devoted mother, she worked to keep her often-drifting family members connected and to help out in tough times. Joanie always fostered lasting relationships with dozens of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who stayed close to her through her last days. Joanie took charge of her difficult cancer diagnosis with a passion to learn all that she could. She supported her caregivers as much as they supported her, always with great intelligence, and always with that special Joanie empathy for how her final journey affected others.

Memorial Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 27, 2023 from 3:00pm until the time of the Memorial Service at 5:00pm at the Highland Chapel of the Elton Black & Son Funeral Home, 3295 E. Highland Road, Highland.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations towards Joanie’s funeral expenses, https://gofund.me/8e7644f0