Joann Marie Lafave

Joann Marie LaFave , age 81, of Sebewaing, passed away peacefully at her son, Sam and daughter-in-law, Maureen's home on August 8, 2022.

Joann was born on October 2, 1940 to Howard and Celia (Reed) Cryderman. She grew up in Watrousville, MI with her three brothers, Johnny, Gayland and Gary. She met a handsome young man named Edward Lafave. He asked for her hand in marriage after a drive inn movie date. Story is that he stopped right on M81 and proposed. She said yes and they moved to the Detroit area for his work. Soon they were blessed with a son, Sam. After an early retirement, they designed and built their dream home in Sebewaing. There they enjoyed many years together hunting, fishing and visiting local garage sales. They always had a large garden and fruit trees that they canned together. One of Joann's biggest passions besides house plants, flowers and crocheting was collecting frogs from all over. Mind you, she displayed them with great honor all through her home. She was always proud to be able to tell you how many she had collected. She had as many as 1,800 frogs at one time! She was a member of the Lions Club and donated her time and energy to them as well.

Joann loved her family. Her joy was her granddaughter, Vanessa (Bradley) Fotopoulos and her grandson, Matthew (Jillian) LaFave. She was blessed to have 4 great grandchildren: Gabriel, Hannah, Anabelle and Paige.

Family and friends will always cherish her spunk, kindness and hugs, and will always smile when they see a frog.

Visitation will be Friday, August 12, 2022 at Juengel-Mellendorf Funeral Home in Sebewaing from 3-7pm.

The funeral service will be Saturday, August 13, 2022 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Sebewaing. Visitation will be at the church at 9am until the time of service at 10am. Pastor Heather Nowak will be officiating.

Burial will take place at 1pm Saturday at Juniata Township Cemetery in Watrousville, MI.

Memorial donations may be given to the charity of your choice.

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