Joan Marion Heaton (nee Preuthun), age 101, of Novi, Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026. She was born on September 27, 1924, in Windsor, Ontario, to Paul and Fleura Preuthun.

Joan lived a remarkable 101 years, filled with family, friendship, love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. She was a loving, dutiful, frank, and forthright woman who was proud, faithful, classy, proper, and with a wonderful ability to be diplomatic when the occasion called for it.

One of the greatest joys of Joan's life was her 55-year marriage to her beloved husband, John “Jack” Heaton. They met as teenagers and, in time, married the great love of her life. Together, they built a beautiful family and raised four children, each of whom went on to earn professional degrees and achieve accomplishments in military service, accounting, psychology, and medicine. Her family was, without question, her greatest source of pride.

Joan attended Michigan State University and was active in the Daughters of the British Empire, the B Girls, and the Michigan League for Crippled Children. She enjoyed an active and social life and especially loved entertaining friends and family. Her favorite pastimes included playing dominoes and cards with her family, playing bridge with the B Girls, skiing in Aspen, sailing on Lake St. Clair, and knitting. She particularly treasured singing Christmas carols with her family on Christmas Eve. Joan also had a surprisingly competitive side when it came to Tetris—and her sky-high scores were a source of great pride. She was, by all accounts, awesome at the game.

Joan's legacy will live on through the family she loved so dearly. She is survived by her son, Brigadier General Kencil Heaton (ret.) and daughter-in-law Gayle; daughter, Nancy Heaton; daughter, Dr. Caryl Heaton and son-in-law Stephen Bryant; and son, Dr. Paul Heaton and daughter-in-law Letha. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Wyatt Peabody, Susan Collins-Shroeder (Ryan), Allison Thomas (Joshua), Philip Collins (Michelle), John Heaton (Nam Phuong), Jenny Heaton (Michael Ledoux), Stephanie Heaton, David Bryant (Megan), and Andrew Bryant (Hayley); and great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Carson, Isaiah, Heaton, Milah, Lucy, Meera, Nadiya, Jack, Olivia, Blake, and Charlie Joan.

Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Heaton; her parents, Paul and Fleura Preuthun; sisters Paula Preuthun, Sonja Preuthun, and Carla (Edward L.) Page; and granddaughter Kristin Heaton Peabody.

Joan's life was defined by devotion—to her husband, her children, her grandchildren, and her family. She will be remembered for her loving heart, strong character, unwavering faith, and the proper, classy manner that was uniquely Joan. Most of all, she will be remembered as a woman who was fortunate enough to share 55 wonderful years with her great love and who took tremendous pride in the family they created together.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at O’Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi, Michigan.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at O’Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home.

Private family interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Joan's memory.

Joan leaves behind a lifetime of love, a family of which she was immensely proud, and memories that will be treasured for generations to come. And somewhere, one can imagine, Joan is still playing Tetris—working toward an even higher score.