Joan Margaret Piersante
1938 – 2026
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Joan Margaret Piersante, 87, of Lansing, Michigan. Joan passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026, surrounded by the family she cherished, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Joan was a woman of profound devotion, defined by her unwavering Catholic faith and her special devotion to Mother Mary. While her spiritual life guided her, her family was her heartbeat; she held a unique and special place in her heart for every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild.
Joan was blessed with boundless energy and a fun spirit. She was the person many sought out for in-depth guidance, which she always delivered with a signature blend of great wit and humor. She loved life and found beauty in spending countless hours producing stunning gardens for her home. Joan was an outstanding bowler and golfer—proudly sporting a hole-in-one under her belt. As a loyal Michigan State Spartan fan, she was known to offer spirited “advice” from her seat throughout every game. Whether she was cheering from the sidelines of her grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s sporting events or playing cards with her sisters—where squeals of victory and groans of disappointment were equally loud—Joan enjoyed the play!
Joan is survived by her children, Robin Grein (David), Tori Piersante, and Suzzette Watson; and her beloved step-children, Vincent Piersante (Cathy) and Carol Santavicca (Joseph). Her legacy lives on through 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, her dear sister, Jackie Awea, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Vincent W. Piersante; her grandson, Brent-Jordan Kalahiki; her great-grandson, Cruzito Medellin; her sisters, Joyce Endres, Janice Gauld, and Judean Raiche; her son-in-law, Keith Watson; her parents, Doris and Henry London; and her step-daughter, Vera Ellen Alexander.
Joan’s friends were precious to her, and her family is eternally grateful for the love, loyalty, and laughter they provided her over the years. A simple obituary cannot fully encapsulate Joan’s life, but it serves as a tribute to a woman who was greatly loved and will be sorely missed. May she rest in the arms of our spiritual Mother.
Visitation will be held will be held from 4 – 7pm with a rosary prayed at 6:30pm on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Estes-Leadley Funeral Home, (325 W. Washtenaw Street, Lansing, Michigan 48933).
On Friday, February 20, 2026 the funeral liturgy will be at 10:00am at St. Mary Cathedral (219 Seymour Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933). Interment will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery following and a celebratory luncheon will follow at St. Mary’s Parish Hall.
Donations may be made to St. Mary’s Cathedral Crypt Renovation Fund https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Form/69f9bca-1-8d4c-4ce7-b309-0e254dcf02a or
Right to Life https://Rtl.org
3 Messages to “Joan Margaret Piersante”
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Mary Gager Drew
February 19, 2026 at 7:51 amI am so very sorry for your loss.
Joan was truly one of a kind. She had a wonderful sense of humor that could lighten any room, and her kindness showed in the quiet, thoughtful ways she cared for others. She was a gifted storyteller — the kind who could draw you in, make you laugh, and leave you hanging on every word. And if there was a deck of cards nearby, you knew you’d better be ready — she was a card shark in the very best sense, playing with skill, wit, and that unmistakable sparkle in her eye.
I feel genuinely lucky to have known her. She brought joy, laughter, and warmth into the lives of so many. She will be deeply missed, but she will always be remembered — in stories shared, in games played, and in the love she so effortlessly gave.
Judith K Edwards
February 19, 2026 at 10:39 pmJoan was a jewel of a person.
Alan M Abrams
February 20, 2026 at 9:41 amJoan was truly a delight. We had the opportunity to help in some legal matters, and she made it a fun experience. She will be missed. Requiescat in Pace Christi