JoAnn M. Michaud

She was born Aug. 25, 1939, in Pequaming, daughter of the late Joseph and Gladys (VandeZande) Francois. JoAnn grew up and graduated from Iron Mountain High School, Class of 1957. On Jan. 9, 1960, she was united in marriage to Gerald E. Michaud at St. Mary & St. Joseph Church, Iron Mountain.

JoAnn and Jerry lived in Miami for a short period of time while he attended aviation school. Late in 1960 they moved back to Iron Mountain. There they had four children, the oldest of them dying at birth. They raised their other three children in a loving, faithful home. The greatest gift they gave them was their Catholic faith. JoAnn loved her faith with a deep devotion to Jesus through His Mother Mary.

JoAnn was a faithful member of St. Mary & St. Joseph Catholic Church, Iron Mountain. She loved spending time in Eucharistic Adoration of our Lord. She sang in the parish choir for many years. JoAnn loved her dear husband, Jerry; her children, grandchildren and great-grandchild. She was also an active member of the pro-life community, praying and working to protect the most innocent among us and to heal those who have been affected by abortion.

JoAnn worked at a variety of businesses, among which include Iron Mountain Public Schools and Nelson Paint Company. Her last and most rewarding job was working at St. Vincent de Paul, where she felt her efforts were benefiting others.

JoAnn loved her flowers and gardening and was blessed with a true green thumb. It was her passion to spend hours on her knees weeding her gardens. She also enjoyed dried flower arranging, and was known for her delicious, home-cooked, abundant meals.

One of her greatest joys were her grandchildren and great-grandchild, referring to them as “my babies.”

Mom’s life touched many people through her unconditional love, her humility and generous spirit. Her parting greeting to any visit that she had with anyone was a sincere “God Bless You.”

Survivors include her two sons, Jeffrey (Vickie) Michaud of Iron Mountain, and Rev. Fr. Gregory Michaud of Milladore, Wis.; one daughter, Kristine (Alex) Khor of Iron Mountain; five grandchildren, Natasha Khor of Chicago, Alyssa Khor of Iron Mountain, Mya Khor of Iron Mountain, Andrew (Kari) Michaud and great-grandchild Jackson of Iron Mountain, Ryan Michaud of Iron Mountain; her sister, Linda (Jon) Bastian of Fond du Lac, Wis.; sister-in-law, Ella Francois of Cedarburg, Wis.; her life-long best friend, Patti Rosenblum of Iron Mountain; and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Gerald on Oct. 17, 2000; her infant daughter, Christine Michaud; parents, Joseph and Gladys Francois; two brothers, Kenneth Francois and Richard Francois; and sisters, Phyllis Santini and Marilyn McKindles.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17 at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain.

Prayers will be recited at 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, and again at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church, Iron Mountain. Rev. Fr. Janusz Romanek will officiate.

Burial will be in Cemetery Park, Iron Mountain.

Our deepest gratitude to the staff at ManorCare Nursing Facility for their caring for her with the utmost love, respect and dignity.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established through St. Mary & St. Joseph Church to be used for the cause of pro-life.

You may leave a condolence or tribute for JoAnn’s family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Iron Mountain, to honor JoAnn’s legacy of life.