Obituary: Joanne Marie Waller

Joanne Waller (1940 – 2017)

Joanne Marie Waller passed away in her home surrounded by family on October 6, 2017. She was born to Frank and Dorothy Chudinski (Amend) in Port Huron, Michigan on March 14, 1940. She married her teenage sweetheart, Charles Henry Waller Jr. on June 21, 1958 at Mt. Olivet Church in Dearborn, MI. She is survived by her three children Denise Collins (Jim), Colleen Elwell, and Charles Waller III (Joy); grandchildren- Jessica Bushaw (Aaron), Jimi Collins, Ashley Collins (Jacob Hoffius), Scott Elwell, Jeremy Elwell, Melissa Waller-Mikesell (Tom), and Trevor Waller; her great grandchildren, who affectionately called her Granny Jo Jo:  Oliver, Henry Bushaw and Sage Mikesell. She was preceded in death by Charles Waller Jr. (husband), Mary Anne Buddy (sister), and Tim Elwell (son-in-law).

Joanne retired in 2005 from St. Joseph Hospital. Joanne started in the Payroll Department and ended her career as a Microbiology Technologist. She was an avid seamstress, able to create and repurpose many items loved by her family and friends. Eager to create prom dresses, costumes, baby blankets, or anything needed by those closest to her. She was passionate about spending time with her family. She was an active mom, grandma, and great grandma never missing band concerts or sports games. She enjoyed theatre performances and live music. She volunteered for the Ypsilanti Historical Society giving tours on the weekends. She loved her Ypsilanti community but also loved to travel to be with family and friends. Joanne was a Breast Cancer survivor. Her family will remember her as a driven, fun loving woman and a patient care giver that encouraged everyone to pursue their goals.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 11, 2017, at 10 am  at Janowiak Funeral Home, 320 N. Washington St. in Ypsilanti, with Rev. Tom Burdette officiating. Entombment will be in Washtenong Memorial Park in Ann Arbor. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the SOS Community Services or  Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home where the family will receive friends Tuesday, October 10, 2017, from 2 – 4 pm and 6 – 8 pm.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.