Joan Marie Fecteau

Joan Marie Fecteau, a beloved matriarch and cherished member of her community, passed peacefully in her sleep on February 26, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on February 17, 1936, Joan led a life rich with accomplishment, compassion, and love that left an indelible mark on all who had the fortune of knowing her.

Joan spent a significant part of her early career dedicated to public service, after her graduation from St. Rita’s High School in 1954 she worked for the city of Detroit, where she became a notable figure. In a delightful turn of fate, she was named Miss DSR in April 1956—a title bestowed upon her not by her own ambition, but rather as a whimsical act of camaraderie by a coworker who entered her name as a jest. This humorous spirit was emblematic of Joan’s character: humble, engaging, and always guilelessly illuminating the lives of those around her.

Her creativity flourished beyond her municipal duties; Joan embarked on entrepreneurial ventures in catering and cake decorating, showcasing her talent and passion for culinary artistry. She further cultivated her skills through education, attending Macomb Community College culinary courses. Her academic pursuits continued along with the attainment of a Bachelor of Science degree from Rochester College in 2003, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and self-improvement.

Joan’s home, a sanctuary of warmth and hospitality, became a hub for family gatherings and celebrations. She instilled in her children the values of hard work and creativity, traits that have continued to flourish in her descendants. Joan is survived by her loving children: Christine Fecteau, Julia (Robert) Robine, Donald Fecteau Jr., Janet Fecteau, Vincent (Laurie) Fecteau, Matthew Fecteau, and Paul Fecteau. Additionally, she finds solace in the company of her grandchildren, including Erin (Louis Meizlish) Miller, Jana Miller, Robert Robine Jr., Allison Robine, Carl DiFranco, Austin (Brooke) Fecteau, and Jason Fecteau as well as her great-grandchildren, Max and Joan, who will forever carry her legacy forward.

Joan’s loving relationships extended beyond her immediate family, with enduring connections forged over the years with her younger sister, Carol DiPonio, and memories shared with her late husband, Donald Fecteau Sr. Celebrated within the tapestry of her past, Joan is joined in spirit with her deceased family members: her parents, Casimir and Stella Marcin, her brother, Casmir Marcin, her father-in-law, Joseph Fecteau, her mother-in-law, Evelyn Fecteau, and her sons-in-law, James Miller and Al DiFranco, alongside her brother-in-law, Mario DiPonio and granddaughter, Elizabeth Robine.

The warmth of Joan Marie Fecteau’s heart was a luminary force in the lives of many, whose affections and memories of her shall remain deeply etched in their hearts. Her life’s journey will be honored with a Memorial Visitation on March 10, 2025, from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Wysocki & Wilk Funeral Home, located at 29440 Ryan Rd, Warren, Michigan. A Memorial Service for Joan will be held on March 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Mark Catholic Church, located at 4401 Bart St, Warren, Michigan with visiting there starting at 9:30 AM.

In remembrance of Joan, we celebrate not just the woman she was, but the legacy of love, strength, and resilience that continues to resonate through the lives she touched. She will be dearly missed, and her spirit cherished eternally.

Donations in Joan's memory may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Please share a memory, thought, or prayer with the family here on Joan's Obituary Page Guestbook.