Joanne M. Chenier

She was born on May 5, 1946, in Escanaba, Mich., daughter to William Peter and Roseanna (LaVigne) Savage. Joanne was raised in Schaffer and graduated from Bark River Harris High School. She continued her education at Bay College and worked for Prudential Insurance from 1987 until her retirement in 2001.

On October 13, 1990, Joanne married her “Honey Bunny,” Norman Chenier in Bark River after meeting on the golf course six weeks prior! They quickly became inseparable and could often be found gardening and hunting at the home they built together in Flat Rock. They also enjoyed camping, traveling, and loved the company of close friends and family, which often included witty and playfully competitive card games — she was well known for her sass!

She was a woman of strong faith, demonstrated by her love of family and her constant gratitude for all of God’s gifts. It was through this faith that she was able to maintain a positive attitude and grateful heart even through her illness.

She is survived by her loving husband, Norman; children, Rhonda (William) Dawson of Mount Dora, Fla., Anthony Pirlot of Escanaba, Mich., and Kathleen (Alan) Cazzato of Bartlett, Ill.; grandchildren, Alyssa (Zeus) Conejo of Dundee, Ill. and Alexandra Cazzato of Bartlett, Ill..; great-grandson, Zaeden Conejo; sister, Marilyn Pare Lee; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by six brothers, Robert, Donald, Bradley, Kenneth, Lloyd and Gerald; and five sisters, Joyce, Elaine, Nancy, Janice, and Diane.

Services will be in the spring, with details to follow at a later date. Burial will take place in the Escanaba Township Cemetery. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family, and messages of condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net.