Joan C. DeWard, of Farmington Hills, passed into eternal life early Tuesday morning, May 26, 2026, at Henry Ford Hospital West Bloomfield. She died one day shy of her 87th birthday.

Joan was born May 27, 1939, in Detroit, the daughter of the late Joseph and Rose (Zabawski) Went. She grew up in Detroit and attended St. Stanislaus School from kindergarten through 12th grade, where she was a cheerleader and formed many early friendships and memories. Following high school, Joan began her studies in nursing, but soon discovered that the nursing path was not for her. That realization led her to a calling much better suited to her gentle and patient nature: education. She went on to earn her bachelor's degree in education from Marygrove College, a place that remained meaningful to her throughout her life.

In 1967, Joan met Thomas "Tom" DeWard while visiting friends. Though she may not have been initially convinced, Tom eventually won her heart. They were married on June 21, 1968, the first day of summer, in the chapel at Marygrove College. Together, Joan and Tom shared 57 years of marriage, a lifetime marked by devotion, humor, companionship, and steadfast love.

Joan had a special gift for caring for children. She taught elementary school, including work with migrant children in Monroe during the summers, and later worked for many years in childcare at St. Mary's Hospital in Livonia. Whether in the classroom or the childcare center, Joan was patient, tolerant, caring, and deeply dedicated to the children entrusted to her. She remembered her students fondly for years afterward, often recognizing names on Christmas ornaments and recalling stories from the young lives she had helped shape.

Those who knew Joan will remember her as delightful, good-natured, and kind. She was not one to complain, even when life became difficult. She enjoyed silly banter with Tom, a good joke, and the simple pleasure of sharing laughter with those she loved. Her warmth made people feel comfortable, and her gentle spirit left a lasting impression.

Joan and Tom enjoyed trips to Disney World with their daughters, and, for many years, treasured weekends at Lake Chemung, near Howell. Their trailer there became a kind of family cabin, a place filled with happy memories throughout many summers of their family's life. They also enjoyed the Charlevoix area of northern Michigan, and making special trips to visit their grandsons in Minneapolis and St. Louis, cherishing the time spent together and the memories made along the way.

To her grandsons Luke and Leo, Joan was lovingly known as "Boca." Some of the family's happiest memories were made around the kitchen table at Tom and Joan's home, where their daughters and grandsons enjoyed playing solitaire with Boca and Grandpa — a lively four- to eight-person version the family called "multi-player solitaire" — as well as the very fun and spirited game of Spoons. Those simple gatherings, filled with laughter, competition, and togetherness, reflected the joy Joan found in being surrounded by her family.

In her later years, Joan faced significant mobility challenges, but Tom's devotion allowed her to remain in their Farmington Hills home. With tenderness and determination, he made their home barrier-free and cared for her with remarkable love. Joan wanted to be home, and Tom made sure she was. It was a beautiful reflection of the life they built together and the promise they had kept for nearly six decades.

Joan is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 58 years, Tom; loving daughters, Julie Ann DeWard, Jennifer DeWard, and Marjory Rolling; cherished grandsons, Luke and Leo Rolling; as well as her sister, Carol (the late John) Dueweke.

Family and friends may gather for visiting hours at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home in downtown Farmington on Sunday, May 31st, from 2-6 pm. The rosary will be prayed at 4:00 pm.

Joan's funeral mass will be celebrated Monday morning, June 1, at 10:00 am, in state at 9:30 am), at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 23615 Power Road, Farmington. Her interment will follow privately at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes are suggested to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen.

Joan will be remembered for her kindness, patience, humor, and quiet strength; for the children she taught and cared for; for the laughter shared around the kitchen table; and most of all, for the love she gave so generously to her family. Her life was one of gentleness, faithfulness, and grace, and she will be deeply missed by all who loved her.