Joan Marcia Cadieux

Born in Detroit to William and Louise (nee Schmidt) Marks, Joan grew up in Grosse Pointe Woods and attended St. Paul High School from where she graduated in 1954. Following high school, Joan received her B.S. in Economics from the University of Detroit in 1958.

Joan’s husband of 32 years, Ralph “Skeeter” Cadieux, was the brother of one of her high school classmates, Beverly Cadieux DiMaggio. Joan met Ralph during her visits to the Cadieux home in Cornerstone Village in Detroit and they married on June 29, 1957 at St. Joan of Arc Church. Joan and Ralph began their life together in St. Clair Shores, but soon moved to Grosse Pointe Shores to raise their four children.

Joan’s most impactful career was mother of four; however, her love of crafts, especially all types of needlework, led her to work at Marnie Fessenden’s Crewel Studio on Fisher Road, though Joan “retired” when Marnie asked her to become the store manager.

Joan’s affinity for crafting never waned, always waist deep in her many decoupages, miniature making, stained glass production, decorating, and furniture refinishing projects. An excellent seamstress, Joan constructed her own suits, dresses, and gowns for decades, and many family members and friends were the recipients of her handiwork, created lovingly with each person in mind.

In her later years, Joan enjoyed traveling with both family and friends. She traversed Europe, went on safari in Africa, and explored South America’s diverse landscape.

After Ralph’s passing, Joan split her time between St. Clair Shores and Indian River Shores, Florida, where she gladly welcomed any who wanted to visit. An avid golfer, Joan pursued the sport in both Michigan and Florida, enjoying her time on the course with friends.

Joan was blessed to have her sister, Diana Marks Jaeger, and Diana’s family close by in Michigan. The Jaegers included her for holidays and on many summer visits to their cottage on Harsen’s Island. When Joan shared stories with her children about the times she spent with her sister’s family she expressed joy and gratitude.

Joan was predeceased by her husband, Ralph, and her eldest son, Michael. She is survived by three of her children, Marcea, Brian (Dede), and William; her daughter-in-law, Kathryn; her sister, Diana Jaeger; her seven grandchildren, Andrew, Jacqueline (Jason) Crick, Marcea, Nicole, Matthew, Caroline (Brian) Smart, and Clayborne; three great-grandchildren, four nieces, and two nephews.

Joan will be interred with her mother at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Detroit.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 21620 Greater Mack, St. Clair Shores, Michigan. The Memorial Mass will be streamed at https://sjascs.org/st-joan-live

Donations may be made in Joan’s honor to the St. Paul Educational Trust, 170 Grosse Pointe Boulevard, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236 (stpauleducationaltrust.org).

Arrangements entrusted to A.H. Peters Funeral Home, Grosse Pointe Woods. Share a memory at www.ahpeters.com.