Obituaries

Donakowski,

Joan L. aged 87. Passed away at Farmington Hills, Michigan, Tuesday, May 7, 2024. She was born at Detroit, Michigan, Wednesday, July 15, 1936.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Lear and Frances Ricketts, and her husband, Robert (Bob). She is survived by her children Brian, Barry, Vicki (Chris) Harkey, Cheryl (Scott) White, and Cindy (Erik) Bengston, as well as 13 grandchildren: Alicia (BJ) Kline, Orion (Megan) White, Fisher (Danny) Shim, Paulina (Jacob) Singer, Reina, Tessa, Jasmine, Eden, Jamison, Joanna, Lear, Olivia, and Anna, and 4 great-grandchildren: Renea, Wyatt, Clayton, and Fletcher.

As a wife, and mother to five, most of Joan’s life was centered around caring for others, gardening and cooking for the big family, always aware of each child’s favorite foods. Once the kids were out of the house, she and Bob cared for both of their aging mothers in their home for a couple of years.

Joan was well known for her many artistic endeavors, including stained glass, and painting carved wooden creations made by Bob. She regularly made hand-made cards for family members, enjoyed sewing matching dresses for her granddaughters when they were young, and spoiling her grandchildren with lots of goodies. Joan and Bob regularly played cards or Dominos with their lifelong friends Tom & Bev Beleski, and Dick & Janet LeGrow. They were active in the Livonia Senior Center after retirement, and enjoyed traveling, including trips to Poland, China, and Guatemala.

Beaumont Commons was home for 12 years, first in the apartments with Bob, then in Independent Living, where she had many good friends and a caring staff.

Joan was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, family member, and friend to many. She will be missed!

Visitation: Monday, May 13, 2024 at The Fisher Funeral Home, 24501 Five Mile Road, Redford Twp., Michigan.

Funeral Service: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at the Fisher Funeral Home, Family hour 10:30 a.m. until time of service, 11:00 a.m.

Interment: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield, privately.

In lieu of flowers, kindly send donations to Sanctum House - a sanctuary for survivors of human trafficking. 28175 Haggerty Road, Novi, MI 48377. They also have a donation link: https://sanctumhouse.networkforgood.com/projects/68645-sanctum-house-general-fund