Joanne Pearson

Joanne was born January 3, 1935, in Escanaba, daughter of Richard and Pearl Demars. She attended Escanaba High School.

On May 18, 1957, Joanne married the love of her life, Victor Pearson, in Escanaba. The celebration of their 63rd wedding anniversary occurred shortly before Vic’s passing. They made their home together in Gladstone for the first four years of their marriage before moving to Rapid River. There they raised five children and made lifelong friendships with neighbors Joyce and Lee Boyer, Rae and Forest Pyke, Pat Johnson, Virginia Anderson, Wayne Young… to name a few. Neighbors would take turns having block parties, folks would stop by unannounced to have coffee or tea, fun times were had and wonderful memories made.

She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and fun-loving grandmother. In fact, she was so warm and welcoming that kids who came to stay at her house – be they friends of her children or her own grandchildren – often did not want to leave! Her grandkids share memories of sitting on Grandmas lap while she held their hands and played “piano”.

Joanne worked at Sal-Mar in Rapid River, along with dear friend and sister-in-law Gladys Sundquist. She gained a special friendship filled with laughter and good times with owners Gus and Marian Martens.

A member of the Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River, Joanne also volunteered for altar care and served on the luncheon committee. Calvary members old enough to remember likely enjoyed more than a few of her famous ribbon sandwiches. Her busy life left little time for hobbies, but Joanne also enjoyed ceramics.

The highlight of her day was her morning coffee clutch with beloved friend Robert Anderson. For over 40 years Robert stopped by, and continued to do so after the passing of Vic. He picked up her mail and they shared laughs and stories. It was a special bond and Robert is considered to be a member of the family.

Joanne always put others before herself, beginning at a young age when she helped raise her younger siblings. She touched peoples lives by making their day brighter with her sense of humor and comforting presence. She was strong and resilient and never complained. She was a shoulder to lean on for anyone that needed it. People always commented what a joy she was to be around. She was a shining light. She is now an angel, by her husbands side. She’s with her cherished grandmother Ella Gustafson, who doted on her and deemed Joanne as her favorite grandchild. Joanne spoke of the love for her grandmother until the end. She’s with her heavenly family and friends at last.

Joanne’s surviving children include daughter Michelle Fletcher of Green Bay, Wis.,; daughter Victoria (Kevin) Berg of Escanaba; son Richard (Jean) Pearson of Rapid River, Mich.; son Mark (Debra) Pearson of Durango, Colo..; daughter Debra Pearson of Rapid River, Mich.; beloved dog Coco.

Survived by siblings: Kenneth and Elaine DeMars, Dale and Sharon DeMars, Mike and Betty DeMars, Karen Beaumier, Pat and Lee Grover, brother-in-law Vic Corwain, and sister-in-law Lori DeMars.

Grand kids: Herb Fletcher (Ashley Smith), Tracy Klingenberg, Sara Weber, Brenda (Steve) Scott, Kelly Berg, Jamie (Chad) Leclair, Justin (Mikki) Berg, Jessica (Danny) Cullen, Hannah Perkins (Aaron Donovan), Jake Pearson (Jessica Fluette), Myah Pearson (Nate Micheau), and Kevin (Heather) Pearson. 23 great-grand kids, six great-great-grand kids with many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by: parents Richard and Pearl DeMars, husband Victor, brothers: Richard (Bun) DeMars, Jr., Robert (Bobby) DeMars, Gary (Gigi) DeMars, Carole Belland, and Mary (Mimi) Forvilly.

Visitation will be on Monday, December 18 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St., in Escanaba. The funeral service will follow at 5:00 p.m. with Pastor Terry Frankenstein officiating.

Burial will take place in Gardens of Rest Cemetery.

A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net.

The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Pearson family.