Joan Fochler

Small and mighty, Joan Fochler lived a life rich in family and friends. A woman who was happiest when caring for others, Joan was a devoted caretaker. Loving, generous, and kind, she never hesitated to give of herself in hopes of making life a bit easier for all who knew her. Joan was a loving wife and devoted mother who embraced every moment as a gift and was cherished by all who were blessed to know her. Joan's bright, beautiful smile and wholehearted spirit will long be remembered and so very missed.

With the rearming of US forces, the strains of the Great Depression began to ease in 1940. Americans' incomes grew, and their increased spending further fueled the economy. In the US, the optimism of leaving the depression behind inspired the making of several classic movies, including "Gone With the Wind" and the "Great Dictator," while the invigorating sounds of Benny Goodman and Count Basie's Jazz filled our homes with hope. Newly invented Nylon stockings were all the rage with women, and FDR was elected for an unprecedented third term. Despite the ominous winds of change blowing in from Europe, the foundation of hope and generosity our nation had firmly rooted itself in as a result of the preceding decade's hardships could not be shaken. It was within this overwhelming feeling of fortitude, generosity, and hope that Luther and Myrtle White welcomed their daughter Joan into their hearts and lives on August 28, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Growing up in Tennessee, Joan enjoyed a childhood rooted in family values. She shared the good company of many siblings exploring the outdoors, especially the grand willow trees they enjoyed swinging from and playing near. Long after moving north to Detroit, Michigan, Joan's father was a car salesman for Cadillac, and the family frequently had new cars at home and would tell stories of. Joan and her husband-to-be, Fred Fochler, fell in love at first sight. Fred was instantly and deeply smitten by her charm and overflowing beauty. The happy couple married and confidently faced the challenges of planting their roots and starting their family in a time of challenge. After proudly serving in the United States Army, Fred worked for Michigan Bell. Though money was tight in their early years together, the couple managed to purchase their first and only home in Westland, Michigan. It was here that they welcomed their four children and would spend the rest of their lives together.

As the years progressed, so to did their financial prosperity and family. A devoted wife and powerfully loving mother, Joan took great pride in creating a loving and supportive home. Lisa, Carol, Michael, and Matthew were the center of her world, and she delighted in doing whatever she could to ensure her children had the things they needed and much more. A fantastic homemaker, everyone was welcome in her home, and many of her children's friends felt very much at home in her excellent care. Joan would undoubtedly say that creating a beautiful and flourishing family, home, and marriage with her husband was her life's joy.

Once her children grew and left the nest, Joan began working in retail to help with finances and afford to enjoy exploring the things and places she and Fred had long been interested in. She enjoyed the change in her days, working, and making many new friends and acquaintances. For many years, Joan and her family enjoyed camping near the beach in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Some of the most precious memories for the entire family were made in the quiet and picturesque Ontonagon. Joan also loved taking trips to Las Vegas with Fred, visiting family in Indiana, and spending time with her beloved sister-in-law and best friend, Betty. Fondly known as Frick n Frack, Joan and Betty shared a truly special bond and sisterly relationship. Without a doubt, Joan's greatest accomplishment was not any one single moment in time but rather an entire lifetime devoted to love, care, growth, family, friendship, and everlasting memories! This is the beautiful legacy that Joan's loved ones will proudly carry forward and that will continue to inspire others for many years to come.

Joan Marie Fochler of Westland passed away August 5, 2022, at the age of 81. Beloved wife of the late Frederick. Devoted mother to Lisa (the late Robert) McGill, Carol (Jerry) Struppa, Michael (Joy) Fochler, and Matthew Fochler. Loving Grammy to Erik (Corrine), Katie, Patrick McGill; Ashley, Eryn (fiancé Conner Jelonek), Bryan Struppa; Chase, Lauren, Tyler, and Aliana Fochler. Great-Grammy to Damien. Also survived by many siblings. Visitation Tuesday, August 9, 2022, from 3-8 pm at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, 30200 Five Mile Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48154. Additional visitation Wednesday, August 10, 2022, from 9 am until the time of funeral service at 10 am at the funeral home. Interment at Mt. Hope Memorial Gardens, Livonia, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be directed to Michigan Humane.