Joann Claudia Abel, 91, of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, passed away on June 17, 2026. Born June 9, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan to parents Harold T Cato and Anna Marie Castronova Cato. Joann lived a life marked by steady devotion, a soft and quiet strength, and a thoughtful, kind-hearted presence that will be deeply missed.
Joann graduated from John J. Pershing High School. After high school, she took on various jobs throughout her life, meeting each season with hard work and purpose. Yet the role she treasured most was raising her two daughters—an enduring reflection of her faithful love and the wisdom she shared so naturally in everyday life.
Joann was the longtime bookkeeper for her and her husband’s business, Abel's Tool and Die Welding. In that work, her diligence and care were evident—reliable, attentive, and devoted to doing things well, she supported her family and their livelihood with steadfast commitment.
Joann married the love of her life, James David Abel, and together they shared 51 years of marriage. She was the beloved mother of Claudia Abel Passalacqua, son-in-law Brian Balicki and Julie Ruyle. Joann was the cherished grandmother of Vitina M. Passalacqua, Giovanna G. Passalacqua, Francesca R. Passalacqua, James J.S. Passalacqua, Claudia J. Passalacqua, Joseph S. Passalacqua, Amber (Kevin) Redmond, and David Ruyle, and the great-grandmother of Giovanni M. Whisnant and Rosalia A. Anouya. Dear step-sister to Penny Parsonson Szafran. Joann will be missed by all those who knew and loved her.
Those who knew Joann will remember how much she loved being outdoors, especially in her garden—where her green thumb and patient care brought beauty to life. She also loved to cook, and her family will fondly recall the pancakes and her egg on bread her grandchildren proudly would described as “The best ever made.” Above all, time with family mattered most to Joann, and in those moments her inspirational spirit and gentle thoughtfulness were felt most clearly.
Visitation will take place on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm, with a service at 6:00 pm, at Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores, Michigan 48081.
