JoAnn F. Kalemkiewicz
JoAnn, 64, passed away on October 18, 2017. She was born in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Henry and Helen (Mote) Kalemkiewicz.
JoAnn grew up watching Star Trek and this was a catalyst to her love of science and the stars. She went on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry becoming an alumni of Michigan State University. But JoAnn’s love of the stars did not distract her from the world around her and she went on to be an advocate for conservation. Her career followed this passion in the Environmental Quality Department for the State of Michigan.
Beyond JoAnn’s duty to science was her passion for living. She enjoyed numerous hobbies from snow skiing to sailing the Great Lakes, singing and gaming. She shared this joy with her friends and family. She also made time to explore her love of astronomy by constructing her own telescope to view numerous cosmological events around the world. When JoAnn was not travelling to experience the beauty of the world on her skis or the wonders of space she helped in the community with her love of cats. She would volunteer at the Mid-Michigan Cat Rescue. She took care of and fostered many cats at the rescue center in Dimondale, allowing many families to adopt a cat.
She was preceded in death by her mother, father and older sister. She is survived by a brother, (Jerry Sr.), sister-in-law (Linda), three nieces (Sheena, Serena and Shela), and a nephew (Jerry Jr.).
A celebration of JoAnn’s life will be held on Friday, October 27, 2017, from 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. at the Delta Township Enrichment Center, 4538 Elizabeth Rd., Lansing, MI 48917. Memorials may be given to the Mid-Michigan Cat Rescue in Albion, Michigan. Visit these details at JoAnn’s webpage at www.estesleadley.com
15 Messages to “JoAnn F. Kalemkiewicz”
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Julie Blanchard
October 19, 2017 at 3:15 pmI began getting to know JoAnn better three years ago during a Halloween costume contest at the office. She was a hippie/flower child that year wearing a long fringed vest that she had bought on a happy trip out West years prior. We had a fun day, she was full of life. I will think of JoAnn on Halloween. I will miss our conversations, her smile, her laugh, and her determination the past couple of years to heal and return to her daily routine and life. She loved her cats and provided me support upon the passing of my kitty this past May, she knew the pain of losing a loved cat. Prayers to the family and her friends at this very sad time.
Susan Anderson
October 20, 2017 at 1:10 pmJoanne was an intelligent and kind person.
She had many trials in her life which she bravely faced.
I admired her
DIANE Carlson
October 21, 2017 at 4:54 pmJoann was a fun lively, beautiful person who like to live life to the fullest, especially with her friends. She like to have fun, but she was also there when you needed her. I didn’t even know she was a cat person. I do know that she gave her best to everything she attempted. She lit up every room she entered. My condolences to her family and friends.
Lorinda Tait
October 23, 2017 at 10:18 amJoanne joined Jug and Mug Ski Club and was a vibrant woman in the late 80s. I remember our motor home adventure to the Kentucky Derby one spring, as well as skiing Searchmont in Canada. She talked about buying a duplex with her girlfriend who preceded her in transition much too soon, Marsha Weld. I saw her occasionally when she had married a ski club member, then that marriage ended and I only saw her one other time. My heart goes out to those friends and family that grieve and celebrate her life.
Vicki R. Bellon
October 23, 2017 at 3:03 pmI remember star gazing up on your property in the woods and tubing. We had so much fun in those days. She loved the stars, we laid on the ground at the beginning of your drive watching a meteor shower.
Bill McCracken
October 23, 2017 at 10:41 amAlthough I had seen JoAnn very few times since I retired, and will be out of town on Friday evening, I want to pass on my deepest sympathy to her family and friends. She was a valued member of the DEQ’s Surface Water Quality Division Permits Section for some years. She always had a ready smile and happy disposition. She was a friend to all. She will be missed!
John Vanderhoof
October 23, 2017 at 10:47 amJoanne and I shared a desk at the DNR Laboratory when it was located by the Frandor Mall. We lost touch when she left the lab, but when I would bump into her at Constitution Hall, we would share a laugh about old times. I was stunned to see the announcement. My prayers go out to her friends and family.
Doug Erickson
October 23, 2017 at 12:34 pmRecollections of time spent with JoAnn always puts a smile on my face. The road trips with Bill Shaw, Steve Holmi and JoAnn could be the basis for a comic buddy movie. Perhaps Steve will pen his “Travels with Harvey” memoir in which he reveals how JoAnn acquired the “Harvey” nickname. I celebrate JoAnn’s life and gentle, fun loving soul with fond memories.
Jaclyn Merchant
October 23, 2017 at 12:54 pmI worked with JoAnn for a number of years at the DEQ. She will be remembered as a smiling face who loved astronomy, her cats, and social events here in the office. I’m sad that she is gone so soon and my thoughts and condolences go to her family.
Vicki R. Bellon
October 23, 2017 at 2:53 pmAlthough I haven’t seen JoAnn in many years, I have many memories from the 15 years we shared in the Jug & Mug Ski Club. Those were the good ol days. (She was a shining star and a positive force.) Peace be with you JoAnn.
Carla Davidson
October 23, 2017 at 9:01 pmI will miss JoAnn–she was such a joyful and interesting person who always had a unique viewpoint. I enjoyed working with her at DEQ in Permits Section and on Industrial Pretreatment.
DJ Logan
October 23, 2017 at 9:26 pmJoAnn’s passion for helping the MMCR kitties find furever homes will not ever be duplicated. She spent a great deal of time helping adopters really know the ins and outs of spoiling their new furbaby. I spent many a Saturday learning from her extensive knowledge. She will be missed by the MMCR family (furbabies included).
Judy Kamarainen
October 24, 2017 at 8:23 pmEnjoyed our times together though not recently. Loved your great wit and subtle humor. The world is definitely lacking a precious gem. Blessings to your family. Love Judy.
Charles Graff
October 27, 2017 at 12:55 pmJoAnn was one-of-a-kind, and in the best way possible. I too was shocked to hear of her passing and it is a bitter pill to swallow. I have assurance, however, that JoAnn is no longer suffering from the many things that seemed to have been thrown into her path. She was tough and resilient and always had a ready smile. I thought that I had seen her at a recent retirement gathering, and then she was not there when I scanned the room again. This is how she left us, quickly and without fan fair. She was always so much fun to spend time with and I will miss her love of life and sharing science stories. JoAnn loved the world in all its many aspects and that is a model for us to follow. Life is wonderful, and JoAnn made it even more so. God bless you and keep you JoAnn!
Joe Mejia
October 27, 2017 at 1:26 pmJoAnn was a good person, fun to be around, and always interesting. She had a passion for life, enjoyed many activities including hiking, singing, astronomy, many more. JoAnn also
enjoyed helping with many causes.
I also share sentiments similar to Diane Carlson and others have written, that JoAnn was good natured and had a subtle superpower: was able to (and did) bring happiness and goodness with her when she entered a room. JoAnn was rarely upset, except when lamenting injustices, human harm to the environment, and other darks sides of human behavior.
May JoAnn dwell in the house of the lord forever.