Joanne Kathryn Desjarlais

In the wee hours of March 4, Joanne Kathryn Desjarlais, died peacefully by her beloved husband’s side, Lawrence Desjarlais of 61 years. Eighty-seven years ago Joanne or “Jo” was born the third daughter of seven children and is survived by her sister Shirley (Ken) Raybuck and three of her four brothers, Jerry (Peggy), Hal (Arlene), and Jim (Cindy) Dorf, and she is preceded in death by her sister Marilyn and brother Dan (survived by Marion) Dorf.

As a child she was somewhat of a tomboy and approached life with innocent wonder. After graduating from Redford Union High School she completed a nursing degree and worked at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital as a pediatric nurse, where she fell in love with babies. During her time as a nurse she went on a series of adventures, like joining a group of women on a summer bicycle tour of Europe. She met the love of her life Larry in 1954, and shortly thereafter they married and her life of adventure switched gears to focus upon family. They loved BIG and raised 10 children all of whom have survived her - Eugene (May), Ken (Annie), Mark (Leah), Doug (Thelma), Kate (Tim Barton), Ann (Paul Kurtzhals), Joe (TaLisha), Tom (Candy), Audrey and Theresa. She is also survived by her 26 grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. We will miss her laugh, quick wit, and calming demeanor. She was loved by all.

Joanne's family will receive friends for visitation on Wednesday March 8, 2017 from 3-8 pm, with Rosary and Eulogies 7 pm, at the Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Rd. (east of Newburgh and I-275) in Livonia.

Her life will be celebrated with a Funeral Mass on Thursday March 9, 2017 at 10:30 am, with in state 10 am, at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 27101 West Chicago (at Inkster Rd) in Redford.

Joanne will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery in Southfield, Michigan immediately following the service.

For those who wish to make a memorial contribution in Jo's memory the family suggests donations to:

Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

Grand Central Station PO Box 4777

New York, NY 10163

www.michaeljfox.org/donate

or

NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness)

3803 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste 100

Arlington, VA 22203

www.nami.org/donate