Joanne, of Bloomfield Hills, a beloved mother, grandmother ("Nana"), friend, and faithful servant of God, passed peacefully into eternal life on Monday morning, February 2, 2026. To know Joanne was to encounter what she herself embodied so exquisitely: what is good, what is true, and what is beautiful.

Joanne was born in Windber, PA, to the late John and Anastasia (Khula) Swerock.  She married her beloved husband, Jeffrey Jorissen, on June 24, 1972, at St. Anselm Catholic Church in Dearborn Heights.  Sadly, Jeff preceded her in death on August 5, 2016.

Joanne was raised in a hardworking family rooted in perseverance and humility. The daughter of a coal miner, she learned early the values of diligence, gratitude, and stewardship. As the eldest daughter, she carried great responsibility, helping care for her family and setting an example of strength and service. These early experiences shaped her lifelong commitment to caring for all those she encountered.

Joanne's profound faith shaped every aspect of her life. Deeply devoted to God and eager to share that faith with others, she lived with a spirit of hope, trust, and joyful perseverance. Her commitment to prayer and intercession never waned. Family members recall a moving moment during a Mass celebrated in Jennifer's home—though physically weak, Joanne found the strength to lift her voice in prayer, offering intentions, gratitude, and praise with unwavering conviction. She did not merely speak her faith; she lived it, radiating outward in countless acts of kindness, encouragement, and compassion.

A devoted wife and mother, Joanne poured herself into the lives of her children and grandchildren. She treasured family as one of her greatest blessings. She never missed what mattered—soccer games, basketball games, theater productions, church readings, altar serving, school celebrations, and Christmas performances. Joanne approached every moment as an opportunity to show up, cheer on, and love deeply. She created traditions that will be cherished for generations: family dinners, vacations, and her beloved one-on-one birthday outings with each grandchild. She knew and celebrated each child individually, a reflection of Joanne's extraordinary attentiveness and care.

Joanne exuded thoughtful elegance and grace. Always impeccably put together, she believed in honoring occasions with dignity and care. Whether attending church, hosting family gatherings, or simply running errands, she carried herself with quiet poise and warmth. Even during her illness, she received countless compliments on her style and beauty, including her signature hats, which she wore with confidence and charm.

Her warmth extended far beyond her family. Joanne had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen and valued. She engaged cashiers, neighbors, repair workers, fellow parishioners, her housekeeper, and strangers in meaningful conversations. She remembered their stories, followed up on their struggles, prayed for their intentions, and offered heartfelt encouragement. Many were touched by her simple but powerful farewell: "May your day be blessed with peace and joy." Through these everyday encounters, Joanne created lasting impressions and unexpected friendships—often becoming a source of comfort and inspiration.

Before turning full-time to her vocation as a mother, Joanne—a dedicated educator—earned her master's degree in Spanish from the University of Kentucky and taught Spanish early in her career at Gabriel Richard Catholic High School in Riverview. Her love of learning, culture, and faith education continued throughout her life. She actively participated in parish life, volunteered her time, wrote Lenten reflections for women's retreats, mentored others in their faith journeys, and supported numerous charitable and pro-life organizations. Alongside her husband, she helped establish scholarship initiatives that opened doors for students who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to attend U of D Jesuit High School and Academy.

Above all, Joanne was a caretaker—of souls, of relationships, of traditions, and of the home she lovingly maintained. She possessed a magnetic presence: calm, engaging, genuine, and full of warmth. Friends of her children and grandchildren often spoke of how she made them feel like family. Her grandchildren fondly remember being sung to sleep, wrapped in her gentle voice and loving embrace with these words, "All I ask of you is forever to remember me as loving you!"

Joanne leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, generosity, and grace. Her life was a living testimony to the beauty of intentional living and selfless devotion. While her family mourns her passing, they rejoice in the knowledge that she now rests in the eternal peace she so faithfully sought and shared.

Surviving Joanne are three devoted children, Jennifer (Mario) Said, Jessica (Edward) LaFramboise, and Jonathan (Adele) Jorissen; 19 grandchildren, Nicholas, Anna, Gabriella, Dominic, Leah and Joseph Said, Jeffrey, Jacob, Christopher, Benjamin, Sebastian, Matthias and Jesse LaFramboise, and Isaac, Becket, Nolen, Jonah, Edith and Zelie Jorissen; dear sisters, Gloria (Chip) Butlin and Bernadette (Pete) Okonkowski; as well as a host of friends.  In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Donna (John) Lewandowski.

Family and friends may gather for visitation at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home, downtown Farmington, on Friday, February 6, and Saturday, February 7, from 2-8 pm, both days.  There are no visiting hours scheduled for Sunday.

The rosary will be prayed Saturday afternoon at 3 pm.

Joanne's funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday morning, February 9, at 10:00 am (in state 9:30 am) at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, 2100 Twelve Mile Road (at Woodward Avenue), Royal Oak. Please click HERE to view a livestream of Joanne's funeral mass.

Entombment will follow in the St. Hedwig Mausoleum, Dearborn Heights.  All are welcome to attend the entombment and the luncheon to follow.

Memorial tributes are kindly suggested to Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist , U of D Jesuit High School and Academy , or Mother & Unborn Baby Care .