Joanne Stefanek

Joanne Stefanek, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025. She was 84 years old. Joanne was born on April 5, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, to Helen (Malankowski) and Joseph Matyjanowski. She built a life rooted in dedication to family, hard work, and community. Joanne was employed at Wayne State University as an Administrative Assistant, where she met the love of her life, Robert Gerald Stefanek. They shared a devoted marriage until Robert’s passing on December 25, 2023. Joanne was the loving mother of Susan (Steven) Willis of Howell, MI; Kenneth Stefanek of Belleville, MI; William Stefanek of Rochester, MI; Patricia (John) Blattner of Livonia, MI; and Robert D. (Leah DeRose-Wilson) Stefanek of Colorado Springs, CO. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to thirteen grandchildren, whose ages range from 27 to 3, all of whom will forever cherish the memories made with their grandmother: Hannah (Taylor) Lawrence, Alex Willis, Holly Stefanek, Katerina Willis, Samuel Stefanek, Meghan Stefanek, Jack Stefanek, Frances Reilly, Jonas Reilly, Felix Reilly, Sylvie Reilly, Celeste Reilly, and Lucienne Reilly. Joanne is also survived by her dear sister, Mary Lou Matyjanowski. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures and shared them generously with others. Joanne enjoyed cooking and baking, playing pinochle, working on jigsaw puzzles, crocheting, gardening, bowling, and spending time socializing with friends and neighbors. Above all, she treasured time with her family and fondly enjoyed “lake time” with her husband. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, at St. James Catholic Church, 46325 Ten Mile Road, Novi, MI 48374. Visitation at the church will begin at 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Additional visitation will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025 1-5 pm at O’Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi, MI 48375; visitation details are to be determined. Interment Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery, Southfield, MI Memorial contributions in Joanne’s memory may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association. Joanne will be remembered for her warmth, her kindness, and her unwavering devotion to her family. Her legacy of love lives on through all who were blessed to know her.

Joanne Stefanek

April 5, 1941 - December 22, 2025