Joan M. DeWaele

Joan M. DeWaele, 88 of Gaylord, passed away at home on Tuesday, June 27, 2017. Born in Detroit on April 17, 1929, she was the daughter of Harry and Elizabeth Friend.

Joan proudly served her country in the United States Navy. She worked for Wayne Westland Public Schools as a Bus Driver for 35 years. Upon retirement, she and her late husband, Larry moved to Gaylord in 2004. She loved being home, caring for others and spending time with her family. She married Larner C. Peak on April 22, 1950 and later married Larry DeWaele on March 2, 1973.

She is survived by her children, Christine Ritchie of Gaylord, Theresa Southard of Gaylord, Matthew (Judy) Peak of Canton, Joseph Peak of Gaylord, Lizabeth Peak of Gaylord, Beatrice (Laurence) Long of Gaylord and Emily (Perry) Thayer of Wayne; 17 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren; 13 great great grandchildren; her sister, Elizabeth Parker of Naperville, IL and her brother, Henry Friend of Empire.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Larner who passed away on January 17, 1970 and her second husband, Larry on November 17, 2015.

Friends are invited to join the family at 1:00 PM Saturday, July 22, 2017 at Veterans Memorial Park in Waters to celebrate Joan's life.. Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to VFW Post #1518.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at gaylordfuneralhome.com