In Loving Memory of Joan Chapuseaux
October 18, 1942 – April 4, 2025

Joan Chapuseaux passed away surrounded by the love of her family, on Friday, April 4, 2025, in Novi, Michigan, at the age of 82.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Joan grew up with the love and support of her parents, Marguerite and John Fiorellino (Forell), and her beloved sister Jeraldine (Jerri). She carried the strength of her East Coast roots with her throughout her life.

A gifted linguist with a degree from the Latin American Institute in New York City, Joan's fluency in Spanish opened doors early in her career, including a proud position as a bilingual secretary at the United Nations in New York. Her journey later brought her to Michigan, where she planted deep roots in Plymouth and lived for over 50 years.

Joan dedicated nearly three decades of her professional life to Alexander Hamilton Life Insurance, serving as the Executive Assistant to the Senior Vice President. Following her retirement from the corporate world, she brought her talents and compassion to Jewish Family Services, where she served as Executive Assistant to three CEOs over more than 20 years.

Family was the heart of Joan's life. She was a devoted mother to her two sons, Pepi and John, and a loving mother-in-law to Tammy and Jennifer. Her greatest joy came from being "Grandma Joan" to her cherished grandchildren: Dominic, Delaney, and Riley. She took immense pride in cheering Dominic on at hockey games and listening to the music he created as a DJ, and loved watching and cheering on Delaney and Riley as they shined in pom and dance competitions and recitals.

Joan found peace and happiness in the simple pleasures: spending time at the lake, or going to lunch with friends. A true lover of the arts, she adored music—especially Pink Floyd—a good book, and was always a fan of a good movie or television show, especially murder mysteries, and even better ones that had an added element of comedy (she loved Only Murders in the Building). Joan was also a strong supporter of sports teams with whom she felt a connection, particularly the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions and the Michigan State Spartans.

Her compassion extended beyond people—Joan had a special love for animals. She doted on her "furry grandchildren," all of her grand-dogs and Benny the cat. And she faithfully fed the birds and squirrels that visited her yard regularly. Her generosity reached countless others through her contributions to animal welfare charities, a cause close to her heart.

Joan's life was marked by her kindness, strength, loyalty, and humor. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held at O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi (248-348-1800), on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Funeral Service will be at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 10:00 AM, with interment to follow at Oakland Hills Memorial Gardens, Novi.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages a tribute donation in Joan's memory, to either the Heart 2 Heart Fund or Jewish Family Services