Joann Sullivan

It was clear to see why Joann Sullivan was so well loved by those around her. With her positive nature and caring ways, it was a joy to share her company. Joann went out of her way to be kind towards others, whether it was her family, friends, or even a complete stranger. An outgoing and fun-loving woman, she will be deeply missed and long remembered in the hearts of many.

From the world of fashion to the world to politics, forces clashed in the 1920s to produce one of the most explosive decades of the century. An age of prohibition, prosperity followed many new advancements, discoveries, and inventions of the day which greatly improved the American way of life. A sense of gaiety filled the air, and the Roaring Twenties challenged America’s once conservative nature all while bringing a sense of hope to the nation. It was during this time of change when Thomas and Della Thompson welcomed the birth of their little girl, Joan into their hearts on August 2, 1925 in the comfort of their home in Traverse City, Michigan. Her legal name is Joan, however, her father wanted her name to be Joann, but he was not sure how to spell the name. She always used the name Joann, unless it was a legal document.

Joann's father worked at the local gas company while her mother, a homemaker, remained at home with Joann and her siblings, Bonnie, Elaine, Phyllis, Clemmie, and Mary. They eventually moved to Plymouth, Michigan where Joann primarily grew up. She attended the local schools, and even in the midst of the hardships of the Great Depression, she enjoyed her early childhood which was typical of the times.

When Joann was seven years old, her world was shattered when her mother sadly died giving birth. For her father, raising his children alone proved to be too much at times. Following her mother's death, Joann and her siblings were sent to live with various relatives throughout northern Michigan during the summers and other holidays.

As kids, Joann and her siblings used to pick cherries and sell them on the side of the road in bushels for extra money. She continued on with her education, and while attending high school she played basketball. She also worked during her high school years as a live-in nanny before graduating from Plymouth High School. During her youth, Joann loved taking drives with her brother in his Ford Model A all the way from Plymouth to Traverse City.

Not long after, Joann shared vows of marriage in the early 1940s with Kahrl Drews. From their union they were blessed with the births of two children. Like many during this time, it was a difficult time for Joann while her husband was overseas serving during World War II. He was sent home from the War with tuberculosis, and again she experienced the death of a loved one when he sadly passed away at a TB hospital that is now Mayberry Park in Northville.

For several years Joann did her best to remain positive and raise her children. She even worked as a drafts woman for Borroughs to support her young family. Love was not lost for Joann, however, after meeting John Sullivan on a blind date. Quite taken with one another, the two dated for a short time and were married on October 17, 1953. John adored Joann and adopted her children, taking them on as his own.

Joann made a good home for John and their children which came to include many more. They loved camping as a family not just around Michigan, but at Niagara Falls, Tennessee, the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and Florida. As a couple, John and Joann took a cruise to the Caribbean and spent memorable times enjoying the western states. They especially loved visiting San Francisco and the Grand Canyon. It didn't matter where they were, from the time her children were small to the last of her days, Joann was very social and outgoing. She was kind and compassionate with ways all her own, and easily took others into her heart.

Along with raising her family, Joann enjoyed working on ceramics. She was quite talented, and loved making porcelain dolls which are now treasured keepsakes. She also enjoyed crocheting and sewing. Joann also filled her time as a member of the St. Maurice Altar Society and the Knights of Columbus. Euchre and bridge were her card games of choice, often playing bridge and pinochle with her ladies group. She even played in euchre tournaments throughout the year and John and Joann even won a Livonia Euchre Championship. Joann also devoted her time to the less fortunate by working in soup kitchens and aiding migrant families in the area. Her children often accompanied her during this work. For many years, she was a Girl Scout leader and Boy Scout den mother.

An avid reader, Joann could easily read several romance novels a week. The Sound of Music was her all-time favorite movie, and she could watch it over and over. In fact, when the movie came to the theaters, she pulled her children out of school to go see it. Joann loved the soundtrack to the movie, but then again, she simply loved music in general. When it came to TV, she hardly ever missed watching her favorite game show, Jeopardy!, but she liked Hollywood Squares and the game show network, too.

Joann always wanted better for her children. She brightened their days with her positive ways, always reminding them to, "never go out of your way to be unkind" and to, "never go to bed angry." Her earnest prayer and heart's desire was to live long enough to see her children grow up, because for Joann, it was difficult growing up without her own mother.

Though there were many trials in the life of Joann Sullivan, they made her strong of heart with a compassion only derived from seeing these times through. Joann didn't quit or pity herself. Quite contrary, she lived fully and completely at every opportunity with love in her heart. She was often referred as "the titanium woman" by her kids, but always loving, kind and endearing, she was loved abundantly.

Joann Sullivan, age 88, passed away peacefully February 28, 2014. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 47 beautiful years, John L. Sullivan, and her daughter Vickie Hanlon. She is survived by her children, Michael Sullivan, John (Patricia) Sullivan, Maureen (Jim) Goedde, Eileen (Scott) Kearfott, Patricia (Frank) Gribeck, Mary (Bill) Evasic, and Dan (Kim) Sullivan. Beloved grandmother of 18, great-grandmother of 13, and great-great-grandmother of two. Visitation will be Sunday, 2-9pm at Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home 30200 Five Mile with the Rosary at 7:00pm. The Mass of Christian burial will be held, Monday 11:00am at St. Priscilla Catholic Church in Livonia with instate from 10:30am until the Mass begins. Please visit www.TurowskiLifeStory.com where you may sign her guest book, share a memory, and upload a photo.