Joanne M. Carey

MARQUETTE, Mich. - Joanne M. Carey, 83, of Channing, formerly of Wakefield, passed away on Friday, Jan. 8, 2016, at U.P. Health System in Marquette, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on Aug. 7, 1932, in Hermansville, daughter of the late George and Julia (Savord) Helgren. Joanne graduated from Channing High School in 1950 and attended the Alma School of Cosmetology.

She married John R. "Jack" Carey on Dec. 2, 1950, at St. Rose Catholic Church in Channing.

Joanne was the manager and a hair stylist at Curls & Swirls in Bessemer for several years. She was also employed at the Casanova Ski Shop at Indianhead Mountain.

Joanne was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister, taught CCD and was the CCD program coordinator for many years. She was an excellent baker and made fantastic sweet rolls.

Joanne enjoyed golfing, snowmobiling, attending productions at the Crystal Theatre and spending winters in Florida. Most of all, she loved spending time with family and friends.

Joanne is survived by her husband of 65 years, Jack; three children, Debra Carey (Mark Serwe), of Bessemer, James (Toni) Carey, of Channing, and Barb Carey, of Oxford, Wis .; seven grandchildren, Chad (Jodi) Bruno, Michael Loy, Meagen "Pippi" (Josh) Morrison, Ryan (Kylie) Carey, Lindsay Carey, Erin (Justin) Dillon and Gretchen Carey (Emily Yerby); six great-grandchildren, Kellan, Braedyn, Isabella, Carver, Finley and Sawyer; three brothers, James (Wilma) Helgren, Ralph (Gloria) Helgren and Dorias "Butch" (Rae) Helgren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Karen Koski and Germaine Layman; two brothers, George and Kenny Helgren, and an infant brother, Robert Helgren.

Visitation was held Monday at St. Rose Catholic Church in Channing, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial offered by Father Brandon Oman. Burial will be in the Channing Cemetery in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family, who will purchase a bench and make a donation to the Thin Blue Line of Michigan in Joanne's memory.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Joanne Carey online at ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.