JoAnn E. Lynch

Age 88, passed away on September 23, 2024. Her late husband, Almond Petrie, whispered in her ear, “it’s time Sweetheart” and reached his big right hand for hers and gently pulled her through the veil. JoAnn was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on December 28, 1935, the daughter of the late Raymond and Esther (Lynch) Moon. JoAnn’s mother, Esther, wanted to serve her country during WWII and because of that, she arranged for JoAnn to be adopted by her grandparents, Ethel and Raymond Lynch. JoAnn attended various schools through western Michigan and graduated from Rockford High School. She maintained contact with many of her high school classmates throughout the years. JoAnn was very close to her mother, Esther, and eventually moved in with her in the Detroit area after she graduated from high school. She was also very close to her beloved aunt, Barbara (Edward) Nikels. JoAnn earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University and taught at Westwood Community Schools/Robichaud High School for 35 years. She was a dedicated and much-loved teacher. Former students would often travel from Detroit to visit JoAnn. Upon retirement, JoAnn moved with her husband, Al, from Detroit to the Kalamazoo area. She was a devoted member of the Kalamazoo Association of Retired School Personnel (KARSP) and donated an immense amount of time to the KARSP Scholarship Program. JoAnn also donated to other organizations in Kalamazoo. JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband of 38 happy years, Almond Petrie, in 2020. She is also preceded in death by her close nephew, Dennis (Randi) Nickels and step-son, Dan Grayeagle. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Phillip (Rose) Nickels, Patricia Wagstaff, Kathleen (Alexander) Vander Weert and Edward (Jane) Nickels; step-children, Dennis Petrie, Kathleen Hutchinson and Cynthia (Robert) Blanks; and grand-nephew and nieces, who she loved spending the holidays with, Katie (Andrew) Howard, Steven (Emily) Wagstaff, Ann (Alex) Fermin and Aaron (Karyn) Nickels. Although JoAnn had a special place in her heart for her niece, Kathleen Vander Weert, her step-daughter, Kathleen Hutchinson, lovingly cared for her during the last few years. JoAnn was funny, loving and gracious and will be missed by all who knew her. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 South 9th St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Visitation will take place at the funeral home, one hour prior to the service beginning at 1:00 PM. A graveside service will be held at Cadillac Memorial Gardens – West in Westland, Michigan on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 2:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kalamazoo Humane Society.