Joan Woodard

She was born on October 20, 1933, in Houghton, MI, to Patrick and Blanche (Destrampe) O’Connor. Joan lived a life marked by love, faith, friendship, and devotion to her family. She graduated from Escanaba High School with the Class of 1952.

On September 5, 1953, Joan married her high school sweetheart, William (Bill) H. Woodard, in Escanaba. Joan & Bill operated a dairy farm in Cornell and raised 5 children there. Joan cared for her family as well as working at Cornell Grade School as the school cook. After her children were grown, Joan worked as a rural mail carrier for the Gladstone Post Office for 20 years and also served as the Cornell Township Treasurer for 28 years.

Joan was a talented seamstress and avid quilter who lovingly gifted her quilts to family and friends and donated many to her church. She enjoyed planning and preparing meals for holidays and family gatherings and was an excellent cook. Joan was an active member of First United Methodist Church, always willing to help wherever needed, especially with making pasties.

Joan is survived by three children, Brenda (Jon) Servant of Escanaba, Jeff Woodard of Cedar Hill, Missouri, and Kristine (Bruce) Brandt of Nunica, Michigan; grandchildren, Curtis (Becky) Servant, Jessie (Steve) Menard, Anna (Jake) Culliton, Jason (Kate) Woodard, Sarah Brandt, Jamie (Woodard) Romero, and Blair (Aly) Woodard; nine great-grandchildren; sisters, Barbara Koel, Alyce Bancer, and Patricia Taylor; sister-in-law, Kathy O’Connor; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William; two children, Billie Woodard and Rory Woodard; brother, Patrick O’Connor; and sister, Donna McMahon.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 6, from 11 am to 1 pm at First United Methodist Church, 302 S. 6th St., Escanaba. The funeral service will follow at 1 pm, with Pastor Erin Totten-Jones officiating. A meal will be served in the church hall following the service.

The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family. Messages of condolence may be shared with the family by visiting Crawford Funeral Homes.