Joan Theresa Welsh

Joan Theresa Welsh , 93, of the beautiful city of Plymouth MI, passed away on April 8, 2021 surrounded by her loving family.

Joan, born on August 8, 1927 to Phillip and Florence Marentay in Windsor Ontario, immediately brought joy and laughter into the world. Joan and family moved to Detroit in 1931 and she went on to graduate from Blessed Sacrament Cathedral Academy in 1945 with a growing passion for the arts. After graduating from high school, Joan followed her passion by learning to paint at the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, excelling in watercolor and oil mediums. She continued painting throughout her life, winning many awards and became recognized as one of the preeminent artists in the mid-west.

In 1949, she met and married Bill, a most wonderful man and the two were inseparable from that point on. Joan and Bill were married for over 53 years and had five children, Dave, Tony, Mary Beth, Patrick and Colleen.

Joan was a fiercely dedicated mom to all of her children, raising all five of them to be independent, compassionate, and loving individuals. The fact that each child became highly successful in their chosen career as well as building strong families of their own is a testament to Joan's guidance, love and support over the years. The hole left by her absence is impossible to fill and yet, her love and legacy live on in our hearts.

Joan was predeceased by her parents, her brother Phil Marentay, her husband Bill and her son Patrick. She is survived by her sons David (Cindy) and Tony (Betty Jo), her daughters Mary Beth Moorhead (Tom) and Colleen Smyth (Kevin), 12 grandchildren and 9 (soon to be 10) great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joan’s name to the Humane Society. A gathering will be held on Saturday April 17, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main St. Plymouth MI 48170.

Due to Covid restrictions a private family only service will be held following the gathering from 12 noon to 1 pm. For those wishing to view the service remotely please use the following live stream link.