JoAnne Guarisco

JoAnne Belle Guarisco went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, in Kalamazoo, MI. She was born January 1, 1930, in Kalamazoo, daughter of the late Forrest and Gladys (Yeagley) Frederick.

On December 23, 1949, JoAnne married Carmen Guarisco who preceded her in death on June 7, 1994. She was preceded in death by a son, Garey Guarisco, two infant grandsons, and 8 siblings and their spouses. JoAnne is survived by her children, Dan (Brenda) Guarisco, Steve (Cindy) Guarisco, Linda Guarisco, and Cathy (Ed) Overhiser; daughter-in-law, Sheila Guarisco; grandchildren, Danielle (Dan) Pryor, Justin (Amanda) Guarisco, Carmen Guarisco, Dana (Amanda) Guarisco, Colin (Zoe) Nokomis, Ty Overhiser, Dennie Guarisco, Megan Guarisco, Ashley Elkins, Michael (Melissa) Elkins, and “Molly” ; 10 great-grandchildren; brother Deane Frederick, sister-in -law Enza Guarisco and several nieces and nephews.

Joanie was a homemaker and raised her 5 children, she continued to care for many other children in her neighborhood once her children were in school. Her love for children continued and progressed to working at her church day care. After several years of working at the church daycare she returned back to her home to take care of her grandson. That led to her and her daughter Cathy opening Joanie’s Loving Care Daycare, which they had for 20 years. Joanie cared for and loved a number of children in her 60 years of childcare.

Joanie was a member of and faithfully attended Cross Community Church of the Nazarene where she continued to grow and influence others in her Christian Faith.

During WWII she participated in serving the community offering donuts, coffee and 10 cent dances with the troops.

Family time was important to her so we started a Friday night tradition of playing games and cards. Our large, loud Italian family would gather at her and Linda’s house for every holiday, which is a tradition we will continue!

Joanie loved reading her Bible and her daily devotions. She also enjoyed baking Christmas cookies and other holiday treats. She would give plates of treats to her church, family, and friends, she would start her baking in October.

In her later years she discovered spider solitaire on her tablet.

Joanie was famous for making baked beans, Joanie’s fluff delight, Christmas cookies, and cheese bread.  She was always ready for a game of 13 at anytime.

She was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Visitation will be 4-7 pm Monday, September 19, 2022, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 411 E Centre Ave, Portage MI 49002. Funeral services will be 11am, with a 10:00am visitation on Tuesday September 20, 2022, at Cross Community Church of the Nazarene, 5625 Oakland Dr, Portage MI 49024. Following the service there will be a luncheon provided by her church. A Graveside services will be held in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park, South at 1:45pm. In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to West Michigan Cancer Center, Bronson Cancer Center of Kalamazoo, or Centrica Care Navigators. To view JoAnne’s personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com