Joy Shirley (DesJardins) Willette

Joy Shirley Willette, age 89, went to be with the Lord on February 25, 2020. Joy was born on May 14, 1930 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to George H. and Helen A. DesJardins. Joy graduated from Loretta Catholic High School in 1948 and went on to earn her RN degree from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Hancock in 1952. She married Jack P. Willette, and they had five children of whom she was so proud. Joy had a career of over 30 years in nursing. She worked for War Memorial Hospital, LSSU Health Services, and finally retired from the State of Michigan Health Screening Services. Joy enjoyed her family and friends and would start a conversation with anyone she met. She was active up to a couple of weeks before her death and went to exercise three times a week with her son, John. She loved her wine-time, dancing, shopping, and a good party. Joy enjoyed cooking, baking and canning. In her quiet time she sat knitting dishcloths or scarves and watched the Hallmark channel. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and attended regularly. Joy was a generous and kind person, and contributed to her Church and many charities. Everyone at the Avery Center has her dishcloths as do all her family, friends and everyone she met. Joy is survived by five children and their spouses; John and Judy (Sullivan) Willette, Judy Willette, Janet and Tim Chupka, Joyce and Robert Gingras, and Jackie and Stephen Clem. She had nine grandchildren; Todd Willette and Kevin Green, Megan and Ethan Chupka, Clark, Keith and Cole Gingras, and Dane and Riley Clem, as well as, three great grandchildren, Madi, Avery and Sullivan. Joy is also survived by her special sister, Suzanne and her husband Mike Crowley and her sister-in-law Dolores Ewing, along with her many loved extended family members and close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Helen DesJardins; her sister Bernadette Forrest; her first husband, Jack Willette; and her second husband, Dr. Cecil Baker. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday May 28, 2020 at 11:00am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Father Michael Chenier officiating and Deacon Bill Piche assisting. Final Resting place will be Oaklawn Chapel Gardens. Clark Funeral Cremation Burial Services is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church or Hospice of the EUP. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at War Memorial Hospital and especially the ICU and second floor nurses who took such wonderful care of Joy in her last days. Also, a special thank-you to Fr. Sebastian who visited frequently, and brought peace and prayers for Joy’s final journey to our Lord.

Tributes

Joy Shirley (DesJardins) Willette

May 14, 1930 - February 25, 2020