June 20, 1940 – April 6, 2026
Joanne faced the end of her life with remarkable courage and strength. Her brave and valiant struggle was a reflection of the quiet resilience she carried throughout her life. In her final days, she was surrounded by the love of her family-a testament to the deep bonds she nurtured and the life she so beautifully built.
Our mom had many nicknames, but the one most often used was “Wannie.” We even named a garden walkway “Wannie’s Way.” She was the heart, soul, and breath of our family. She had a wonderful sense of humor that often caught you by surprise, a sharp mind (frequently winning money from my dad during their many Jeopardy! games), and a deep creative spirit. Above all else, family meant everything to her.
Born in Canada in 1940, she moved to the United States in 1967 with our dad, building a life for our family far from everything and everyone she had known. Coming from a family of 17 children, she was the only one to leave Canada. For someone as naturally shy as my mom, this was an incredible act of courage. Together with our dad, she created a beautiful life for all of us. In 1975, we moved to Troy, where our childhood home became the place where so many cherished memories were made. We lovingly describe it as “a great big hug.”
Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family. We shared many wonderful years up north on the beach, along with countless celebrations in our childhood home-holidays, birthdays, and summer barbecues-where you could always find our dad at the grill (usually cooking things well done!). These moments meant everything to her. She and my dad enjoyed many trips to Northern Michigan, Florida and Canada. Creating wonderful memories which often included a trip to a casino!
Our mom kept an impeccable home and had a true love for decorating and crafting. She was organized and thoughtful in everything she did, always taking care of the details so the rest of us didn’t have to worry. Even in her passing, she made sure things were in order-one final, selfless act of love. She NEVER let us down. Her home always felt like a warm embrace, and it still does. When we need to feel close to her, we know we can return there and feel her presence. She was always working on a new project, lovingly creating, and sending gifts to family near and far. She was selfless and generous beyond measure, always putting others before herself.
She is predeceased by her parents, George and Audrey Holden; her brothers Melbourne, Bertram, Reggie, and Dennis; and her sisters Valerie, Dorothy, Irene, and Enid.
She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 64 years, Vic; her children, Vikki (Greg) Plagens and Wayne (Linda) Elward; and her cherished grandchildren, Courtney (Paul) Rakovitis, Brittney (Rob) Fistler, Travis Elward (Alexis) , and Brianna Elward (Dan). Her legacy lives on through her five great-grandchildren: Corbin, Kai, Mabel, Liviana, and Ayla. Sisters and brothers, Jean (Archie) Forest, Debbie Titus, Linda Hyslop, Heather Maxwell, Donna Forgey, Norma Holden Chatterton (John), Benjie (Thelma) Holden, Eric Holden (Sherry)
Mom, we know that you want us to go on and we will, but we will miss you beyond measure. We know that your pain is over and you are with your loved ones in Heaven having the biggest tea party ever, we love you Wannie.
Service are being held privately.
In lieu of flowers donation can be made in her name to either The American Cancer Society or the Crohns & Colitis Foundation
