Joan Frances Stapleton

On February 21, our beautiful Joanie joined her beloved husband, Bill, in heaven. Joanie had a happy, outgoing and effervescent spirit, whose smile and kindness could light up a room. Her greatest joy was in giving to and loving her family and many friends. She took particular pride in her grandchildren, who she continually said, "were perfect in every way." Texting and joking with her grandkids filled many happy hours.

Joanie was a proud firecracker baby, born July 4, 1931 in Sturgis, Michigan to Harriet (Smith) and Francis Lawler. She spent her early years in Coldwater, and then moved to Sturgis where she met Bill, the love of her life. She spent her childhood summers at her beloved Klinger Lake, making memories she treasured her entire life. She graduated from Sturgis High School in 1948, and then from MSU where she majored in Journalism and became a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. She spent time after college working in Chicago for Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

She married William Stapleton in 1954. After accompanying her husband to Alaska during Bill's army career, they settled in Lansing, and then eventually East Lansing. Joanie devoted her time to raising her four children, but also loved serving her community. She held many volunteer positions in the community, in her children's schools, and her church. She particularly loved being a dedicated member of the Junior League of Lansing, where she served as president, and the Ingham County Bar Auxiliary. In later years, she merged her love of music and theater by becoming involved with Wharton Center's Inner Circle, where she held various positions, including president.

She had a very strong faith, and was a 55-year member of St. Thomas Catholic Church in East Lansing, where she spent many happy years singing in the choir. As a lover of classical music, she also spent many years in the MSU Choral Union, where the highlight for her, each year, was singling Handel's Messiah. After Bill’s death, she channeled her energies into starting a widows group at her beloved parish. In this group, which met monthly at Coral Gables, she reconnected with some old friends, and made several new ones. She valued these sharp, strong women and their afternoons of companionship.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, William John Stapleton II and her sister in law, Rosemary Findlay. She is survived by her four children, Mary Kathleen Larsen (Jim); Christina Elizabeth Romano; William John Stapleton Ill (Robbie); and Ann Stapleton Jacob (Paul); eight grandchildren, Jacob Monestersky; Lena Romano; Joe (Kelsea), Drew and Tressa Stapleton; Caitlin (Paul Bradley), Molly and Kevin Jacob; and one beloved great grandchild, Rose Stapleton. She is also survived by twin sisters, Joyce Wood and Joy Lawler; and brother in law, Dr. Thomas R. Stapleton.

A private Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, February 25 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church.

For those desiring, donations may be made in Joanie's honor to Wharton Center’s Seats 4 Kids fund, which provides complimentary tickets to performances for children and families who otherwise could not afford them, or to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman, East Lansing. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.greastlansing.com

Recorded video of service: www.facebook.com/197480395456739/