Joan M. Nowak's Obituary
Joan Mae Nowak, age 93 of Clinton Township, Michigan and a former resident of Madison Heights, Michigan passed away on December 28, 2024 at Clinton Creek Assisted Living. She was born on May 16, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan.
Joan is predeceased by her husband, Norman R. Nowak on September 2, 1995; her sons, Joseph Nowak and Charles Nowak, her daughter, Mary Nowak; her parents, Leonard Schmenk and Wonona Hirt; and her siblings, Robert Schmenk, Eugene Schmenk and Alice Driscoll.
She is survived by her children, Martha (Gary) Dysarczyk, Susan (Mike) Smith, Nancy (the late Sonny) Williams, Jean (Ron) Ferrari and Rita (Rick) Allen. Grandmother of Jennifer Hutchinson, Lyndsey (David) Perez, Joseph (Angela) Smith, Shaun (Tara) Ashburn, Lauren Williams (Owen Ziebell), Dana (Evan) Ferrari-Light and Dean (Alison) Ferrari. Great-Grandmother of Maya, Iliana, Layla, Jaden, DJ, Kylie, Leo and Mac.
Joan attended Pershing High School where she met her future husband, Norm. To that union eight children were born. Their home hosted many holidays, family celebrations, pool parties, and barbeques.
It was never a surprise to find her gardening, sitting on the patio, working a crossword puzzle or reading a mystery. She also enjoyed bowling, golf, shooting darts and playing cards with family and friends.
Joan will be remembered for her kindness, patience, quick wit, sassiness and her sense of humor.
In honor of Joan’s wishes, cremation will take place and a private family gathering will be held at a later date. Her ashes will be inurned at Oakview Cemetery, Royal Oak, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution would be appreciated in her memory to Alzheimer’s Association
Memorial donations to Alzheimer's Association.
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