Joanne M. Lipar

Joanne M. Lipar of Caro, age 71, passed away on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, following a brief illness. Joanne was born February 8, 1945 in Flint, the daughter of the late Jzef and Anna (Slagor) Skarbek. She graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic High School in Flint and earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Health from Ferris State College in 1970. It was during her time at Ferris State that she met the love of her life, Dale E. Lipar, and the couple was united in marriage on July 11, 1970 in Flint. Joanne was employed for several years at the Genesee County Health Department before retiring to care for her two sons and provide private daycare for children in her home. Her life revolved around her family and she loved to be involved in her grandchildren's lives. Joanne had a way of raising people's spirits and making those around her feel special. She was an avid Notre Dame and Michigan State University fan, and also enjoyed playing with her Scrabble and card clubs. Joanne was a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church in Caro where she previously served on its Women's Council and as a Eucharistic Minister. She was also a member of the Caro Historical Society and volunteered at the Caro Roadhouse Museum. Joanne is survived by her loving husband of forty-five years, Dale E. Lipar of Caro; two sons and their wives, Joseph & Leah Lipar of Big Rapids, David & Michelle Lipar of Simsbury, Connecticut; four grandchildren, Annika, Alekzander, Jonah and Stella; one sister and her husband, Patricia & Andrew Bobalik, Sr. of Flushing and their children, Andrew Jr. & Kelly Bobalik of Flushing, James Bobalik of Rochester Hills, Anne Bobalik of Flushing; her mother-in-law, Dorothy Lipar of Zephyrhills, Florida. In addition to her parents, Joanne was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Louis D. Lipar. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart site in Caro with Rev. Jerzy Dobosz officiating. Burial will be at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Cadillac. The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 10:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the American Heart Association or St. Christopher Parish. Visitation Information Date: Friday, April 15, 2016 Time: 2:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 10:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Saturday, April 16, 2016 Time: 10:00 am St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church site Address: 140 Atwood St. Caro, MI 48723 Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart site in Caro with Rev. Jerzy Dobosz officiating.