Age 89, of Chelsea, Michigan, peacefully passed into eternal life on Sunday, July 25, 2021, surrounded by her family. Joann was born August 9, 1931. She was the cherished daughter of John and Anna Megyesi of Lincoln Park, Michigan, and sister of the late David Megyesi. Beloved mother of Karen Ross (Richard Smigielski), Plymouth, MI; Sue Gausman (Dave Hammerschmidt) of Whitmore Lake, MI; Diane (Pat) McIntyre of Carmel, IN; Laura (Gary) Raymond of Austin, TX; and Janice (John) Fischer of Chelsea, MI. Joann treasured and was dearly loved by her 10 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren; she will also be deeply missed by her cousin, Patricia Claffey, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Joann served others throughout her life as a hospice volunteer and foster grandparent in Florida, a cheerleading coach, girl scout leader, and as a member of the Christian Mothers and other church groups. Most recently she belonged to and was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, MI. Joann loved to bake and cook for others, go out to eat, take trips with local senior groups, and entertain in her home.
Her ever-growing faith in Jesus Christ became a source of increasing comfort during her end-of-life journey. She was most proud of her five daughters, the family cottage in the Les Cheneaux Islands in Upper Michigan and earning her academic certificate in Activity Therapy in Gerontology at Madonna University. Joann truly was a hands-on grandma! She shared and nurtured close relationships with each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. ‘Grandma Jo”, as she was known to relatives, neighbors, and strangers, thoroughly enjoyed taking her grandchildren to see local sights, especially on Mackinaw Island and Soo Sault Marie. Joann’s greatest strengths include being a strong-willed and determined woman, brave when she needed medical procedures, and the natural ability to draw people of all ages to her with her contagious smile and outgoing personality.
In lieu of flowers the family would like you to consider a charitable contribution in Joann’s memory to be directed to either the Chelsea Senior Center (www.chelseaseniors.org) Gerontology Program at Madonna University in Livonia, (www.Madonna.edu) or the Parkinson’s Foundation-Great Lakes Chapter, (www.Parkinson.org). Donation envelopes will be available at the visitation.
The family will greet friends on Friday, September 3, 2021, 5-7:00 pm at Cole Funeral Chapel, followed by a memorial service at 7:00 pm.
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