Joan (Downes) Witkowski

Joanne "Joan" (Downes) Witkowski, age 85, joined her husband of 53 years Theodore Stanley Witkowski, parents Thomas Jerome Downes, Helen Waugh Downes, and her very close great aunts & uncles on September 5th, 2016 in Spring Lake, MI from a long-term illness. Joan was born October 29, 1930 in Lowell, MA. She was a member of First United Baptist Church until she moved to Michigan in 1952 where she spent the rest of her life, returning to her parent’s home in Tyngsborough, MA for vacations and holidays.  She graduated from Lowell High School in 1948 and Roger’s Hall in 1949. Joan lived a full and meaningful life raising a family, caring for her husband, elderly aunt and mother as well as pursuing her own unique interests. She was known to many as the “Caramel lady,” she enjoyed tole painting, bridge and volunteering at her church, Gilda’s Club and the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans for many years.  Joan was an outgoing classy woman who was very proud of her New England roots! Joan acquired many dear friends throughout her life in Lansing and Grand Rapids. She is survived by her daughters Heather, Holly & Helesia; grandchildren, Jes W. Paulino (Heidi) of Mars Hill, NC, Ashley G. Ibsen (Kent) of Austin, TX and Charles C. Huhn of Northville, MI; great-grandchildren Sophia & Sej Paulino, Pia, Nella, Kosmos and Ole Ibsen. Joan will also be missed by her many dear friends in Grand Rapids and Lansing. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 2:00 PM, visitation with the family will be one hour prior at 1:00 PM at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church 1025 Three Mile NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church… http://standrewsgr.org/ Joan will be interred with her husband at St. Casimir’s Parish Cemetery in Pelham NH… www.stcasimirspncc.com.