Joanne E. Fischer

Joanne E. Fischer (nee McCullough), age 85, died September 15, 2014. Beloved wife of the late William. Loving mother of Bryan, Teresa Fischer, Mark (Cindy), Bonnie (Michael) Saxton, Peggy (Pete) Tringali, Cathleen (Fred Mellado) Fischer, and the late Eric. Mother-in-law of Karen Fischer. Dear grandmother of 17 and great-grandmother of 10. Sister-in-law of Grace McCullough, Bette McCullough, and Don Palmer. Joanne was predeceased by her siblings Jack, Calvin, Jerry, Larry McCullough and Peggy Palmer. Visitation Friday 3-9 pm at Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson, St. Clair Shores. Funeral Saturday at noon at the funeral home. Memorial contributions to Henry Ford Health Systems, Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, Nursing Fund, Office of Philanthropy, 1 Ford Place 5A, Detroit, MI 48202-3450 or Leader Dogs for the Blind, Rochester, Michigan

Joanne was ALL Irish and born on St. Patrick’s Day. She fell in love with William (Bill) Fischer and they married September 4, 1954. They were married 45 years until Bill’s passing March 16, 1999. Joanne would remind her family on a regular basis that she would only ever be married to Bill. Their deep, genuine love for one another and family will be carried out in the seven children they raised in the city of St. Clair Shores.

Joanne earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at Mercy College of Detroit. She held various nursing positions at hospitals and nursing homes in the Wayne and Macomb County areas. At age 60, she went back to school obtaining a Myomassology certification. Throughout her life it was evident that she utilized this education in both her professional career and daily life. To describe her as a caregiver would be an understatement. Her healing hands have touched many.

Her love of baking, cooking and crocheting was shared with family, friends and many more.

Joanne would describe herself as a true tomboy growing up: climbing trees, playing marbles and jacks, bringing home mice in her pocket. As an adult she loved the outdoors, animals and nature. Sports also played an important role in her life. Ice skating at a very young age and priding herself on her ability to do a figure eight, to then teaching her children and grandchildren. Tennis as an adult was a personal accomplishment and she again shared her enthusiasm with her loved ones. Swimming was another passion that gave her much joy. She loved watching her grandchildren at the local baseball and soccer fields. Many Detroit Tiger games were watched on television and a trip to the stadium now and again.

Joanne loved GOOD FOOD! She has been known to polish off a nice salad, 22 ounce steak, baked potato and finished up with a sinful sundae. If ever a leftover, she would drive to one of her grandchildren’s homes so they could enjoy an after school treat.

Her white hair, blue twinkling eyes and bright smile would light up a room. Joanne always woke with a sweet smile and had something cute to say to start the day. Her quick wit and one liners will be remembered by many.