Joanne Roan-Wismer, aged 83, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2024, after a long illness with kidney disease. She was in the presence of her daughter, Catherine, and had just celebrated Christmas with her closest family at the Nathan Adelson Hospice Center.

Joanne was born on October 16, 1941, in Dansville, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her parents, Duane (Dutch) and Viva Rowse, and her brother, Gary Rowse. Joanne is survived by her two daughters, Catherine Guiant (Patrick) and Jennifer Butcher; one granddaughter, Erika Rose Butcher; and her sister, Sharon Brannon (Marvin).

She graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in social work and dedicated her life as a compassionate and skilled Social Worker and Counselor to those that suffered with substance abuse. Toward the end of her professional career, she focused on helping troubled youth. Joanne was one of the key figures in establishing the first battered women’s safe house in Flint, Michigan. She also was a key person in establishing several intensive outpatient adolescent programs in the Flint area. At one point, she selflessly donated her time and skills on a mercy mission to Romania to assist in caring for abandoned children at orphanages.

She will be remembered for her engaging personality and many activities including bowling groups, card clubs, and golf teams. These activities took Joanne all over Michigan and other parts of the United States. She also enjoyed puzzles and reading, especially mysteries.  Joanne was an excellent artist and painted beautiful watercolors of various sceneries and objects.

Joanne had a great sense of humor throughout her life, even when things were bleak, right up to the very end. She loved her family and friends and enjoyed keeping in touch with them and getting photos sent to her of all that was happening in their lives. Joanne’s legacy of love and compassion will continue to inspire her family and friends. She will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Whaley’s Children Center in Flint, Michigan in her name. You can donate to or contact them at www.WhaleyChildren.org.

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