Joanne Pisa

Joanne Pisa, age 77 of Berkley, passed away Thursday, March 18, 2021 at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. She was born December 5, 1943, daughter of the late Frank and the late Rosalie (nee: Passafume) Pisa.

For those who knew Joanne, they’ll easily attest to her penchant for all things sports related. She loved sports of all kinds, especially when it came to tennis. There was just something about the pace of the game, the varied venues where the competition was played out, and the iconic figures that often made watching such a highlight. We won’t name names,…but the initials Arthur Ashe & Bjorn Borg just happen to roll off the tongue when thinking of who Joanne seemed to favor. And there’s no question,…both of those gentleman had a great deal to do with putting Tennis in the forefront of sports TV, and at the top of Joanne’s list of favorites. Another premiere sports figure of Joanne’s was the Cheese Head from Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers. That’s right,…Danica Patrick must have been somewhat delusional in imagining that Aaron was her man, when everybody KNEW that he belonged to Joanne.

And for as much as Joanne loved sports, she was also HUUUUGE into entertaining and was always the gracious host. She had her own unique way of making her guests feel welcomed, cared for, and extremely comfortable as she valued the importance of having fun and making wonderful memories together. For those who were fortunate to have shared in one of Joanne’s Festivals of Fun, you may recall a couple of the stand out’s, like,…accompanying the music playlist, there had to be some melding of both Prince and Bruno Mars. If you were pouring her a drink, her go-to was always Rum & Coke with a lime. And if you needed to get her attention, just call her by her party name, “Taylor.”

Along the lines of entertaining, Joanne loved to cook and share a meal with loved ones and friends alike. It’s been said, “when you’re eating, you’re happy”…and there was nothing better than bringing happiness to the lives of others than by filling their bellies. But when it came to being the one on the receiving end, the benefits were multifold when she got to share a meal with family or friends out on the town. And if she was livin’ large, that meant they were going “Italian.” That, and a good glass of vino, meant the night was going to be spectacular. A little “Pasta with Pals” had a great time written all over it.

Sports, entertainment, good food,…yet the greatest joys in Joanne’s life were those precious moments shared with family, especially when it came to her treasured cherubs, the grandkids. They were the light of her life, the wind beneath her wings, and much of the reason she kept fighting through the challenges in life,…because she just wanted to have one more day with her adoring grandchildren.

From her early hospital days to the present, Joanne has been making a difference in so many lives, and in so many ways. She possessed a warm and loving heart of compassion that couldn’t help but reach out and touch others. She definitely made an impact and taught us how to live, laugh, and love. A cherished mother, Nana, sister and aunt, Joanne leaves behind an incredible legacy of love that is sure to be embraced with each reflection shared. She will truly be missed beyond expression and loved beyond measure.      

Joanne was the beloved mother of Nicole (Rob) Pisa-Gibson, and Marco Pisa. Loving Nana of Eve Pietraszewski, Harrison Pietraszewski, Rob Gibson, Trevor Gibson, Isabella Pisa, Ava Pisa, Bailey Griffin, and beloved Busia of Mathew, Mikael, and Lana Temrowski. Dear sister of the late Jacqueline Grillo.  Loving aunt of Laura and Bob Griffin.

Visitation for Joanne will be held Saturday, April 3rd from 1– 9 pm, with a 5:00 pm Funeral Service, at the  D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Rd. at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd.) in Warren, Michigan.

The family has asked, for those who feel led and are attending the visitation & service, if you could please bring a written tribute to Joanne that can be shared and coveted for eternity,...with their sincere gratitude. 

Memorial donations are welcomed to Paws with a Cause, 1349 Piedmont Dr. Troy MI 48083.

Please share memories of Joanne at her guest book below.