of Tecumseh, MI passed away on Monday, April 12, 2021. Joan was born in Detroit, MI on February 17, 1930 to Erma (Allport) and Roy Keys. When she was five, the family moved to Belleville, MI where she attended Belleville Public Schools. Joan was an accomplished singer and enjoyed singing in school theatre productions and dances, at weddings, and at her father’s Masonic Lodge. After graduating from Belleville High School in 1947, she attended Eastern Michigan University and earned a BA degree in education. While there she met her future husband, Jack Lawrence. They were married February 2, 1952 and raised their five daughters in Ypsilanti.
Joan worked as a substitute teacher, paraprofessional, and volunteer in the Ypsilanti Public Schools. She loved to play the organ and complete crossword puzzles. Joan was a great friend to many; both young and old. Joan and Jack enjoyed playing cards and traveling with their friends. After Jack’s retirement, the couple moved from Ypsilanti to Clinton and eventually to Tecumseh.
Joan was a loving and devoted wife and mother. Her twelve grandchildren and three great grandchildren were her pride and joy. Nothing brought her more happiness than a visit or a phone call from one of them.
A devout Catholic, Joan found comfort and strength through her faith.
Joan is survived by Jack, her husband of sixty-nine years, her daughters Anne Lawrence of Ann Arbor, Martha Lawrence (Simon Parsons) of Dunedin, New Zealand, Amy Lawrence (Joseph Wysocki) of Calhoun, GA, Kerri (Daniel) McConnell of Ann Arbor, and Jacklyn (Steven) Swartzinski of Northville, grandchildren Noah Crimmins of Ypsilanti, Ashton Parsons of Tecumseh, James Parsons of Dunedin, New Zealand, Joseph (Jessie) Wysocki of Tecumseh, Alec Wysocki of Ypsilanti, Caelia Wysocki of Kennesaw, GA, Marie (Tim) Walker of Howell, Mollie McConnell of Howell, Jack Swartzinski, Roy Swartzinski, Willem Swartzinski and Ella Swartzinski all of Northville, great grandchildren Blake and Blaire Wysocki and Sophia Walker. Joan also leaves behind many treasured nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends.
The family is grateful for the care Joan received from Home Instead of Adrian and Elara Caring of Adrian.
Joan donated to many charities during her lifetime. The family asks that anyone wishing to donate in Joan's memory to do so to a charity or cause of their choice.
A Funeral Mass will take place Monday, June 7, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 830 South Lafayette St., South Lyon, MI 48178, with Fr. Stan Tokarski officiating. The family will receive friends at the church before the service. Burial will follow at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, 1400 N. River Street, Ypsilanti, MI. After the conclusion of Joan’s service, Jack’s graveside reading will take place.
Following the funerals, family and friends are invited to the Ypsilanti Freighthouse, 100 Market Pl, Ypsilanti, MI 48198 (Depot Town).
The family requests that masks are worn and social distancing be observed inside the church and the Freighthouse.
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