March 19, 1922 – February 12, 2022
Joan Eunice Neuwirth passed away on February 12, 2022. She was born in Detroit, Mich., on March 19, 1922, to Elton and Florence Barret. She grew up in a loving family with three dear sisters, Lois, Jackie, and Toni. Their special bond continued to bring her joy and support throughout her life. She was raised in Detroit and joined the Navy as a WAVE during World War ll. Through the GI Bill, she graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Dental Hygiene, which was her career for most of her working life.
Joan married Tony Neuwirth and they started a family, settling in Flint. She became a single mom in the early 1960s. She worked full time and also made time to be active in her church and Girl Scouts. Her four children have fond memories of trips to the planetarium, the library, picnics, concerts, plays, family gatherings, and an occasional Detroit Tigers game. All her grandkids were blessed to have her in their lives, first in Davison, Mich., and later in Noblesville. She read the newspaper every day and loved to line dance, play piano, and gather with friends for cards games or social time. Joan had a strong spiritual life, and she loved her church families at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Flint and St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Noblesville. She especially loved gathering with her extended family. Her life was never easy, but she faced the challenges with strength and grace.
Joan was a kind, gentle spirit. She managed to see the best in everyone and to treat everyone with kindness and respect. She hated to be the center of attention; she was the heart of her family. Trying their best to live up to her legacy are her children, Andy (Donna) Neuwirth, Janine (Greg) Cowell, Karen (Tom) Klein Ludwick, and Gail (Al) Neuwirth Geisler; grandchildren, Andrea (Leon) Anderson, Alan (Lauren) Neuwirth, Brian Cowell, Rick Cowell, Amy (Ben) Diveley, Josh (Stefanie) Klein, Henry Klein, Jamie (Kiel) Duckworth, Alyssa (Megan) Hillier-Geisler, Jesse (Kirsty) Geisler, and Danika (Adam) Geisler; and great-grandchildren, Tyler and Jacob Anderson, Pakston and Ealan Duckworth, Nora and Jade Diveley, and Riley Geisler.
A memorial service will follow at a later date.
To honor Joan’s memory, consider making a contribution to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Noblesville or to WFYI or your local Public Television station.
Condolences: randallroberts.com