Joan Marie Zehner

Joan Marie Zehner, a beacon of love and warmth within her community, passed away on July 19th, 2025, at the age of 82. Joan was born on June 15th, 1943, in Dowagiac, Michigan, to the late Frank and Dorothy Siney. She passed away peacefully in Edwardsburg, Michigan, surrounded by the love of her large and devoted family.

A lifetime resident of Michigan, Joan was a quintessential matriarch who dedicated her life to nurturing her family. As a cherished mother and grandmother, she is survived by her loving daughters, Shelley Walker, Pamila Danaher, Lesa Caenepeel, Jill Danaher, and Ronda Alter. She was a guiding light to her son, Edward Danaher, and she leaves behind her legacy in the lives of her 15 adoring grandchildren and a multitude of great-grandchildren who will forever hold her in their hearts.

Joan was the beloved sister to Sandra Carlton, Marrin (Christy) Burroughs, Michael Burroughs, Sheila Hardy, Cindy (Jerry) Boerjema, and was preceded in death by her sister Sharon (John) Fitzpatrick, her brother Charles Burroughs III, and her sister Betty (Kathy) Todd. Her light shone brightly through her family ties and through the friendships she cherished throughout her life.

The heart of her home, Joan never sought accolades for her role as a mom, yet her impact was profound. She created an environment where the doors were always open, laughter filled the rooms, and a homemade meal was a constant presence.

Joan's love for life did not end at her doorstep. She was a social butterfly, known for her vivacious spirit and generous heart. Her interests were many, but among them, she relished her Bunko and Bingo nights, playing cards with keen strategy, and attending theatre shows with an eye for the grandeur of the stage. Not one to sit still, Joan treasured the simple pleasure of bringing comfort to others with the food she made and the company she kept.

Joan will be laid to rest at Plum Grove Cemetery in Union, Michigan, at a later date.

Joan lived life as a testament to kindness, generosity, and the enduring strength of family bonds. Her absence will be profoundly felt, yet her spirit will continue to envelop all whose lives she touched, in the laughter shared around a game table, the standing ovation in a theatre, and the heartfelt meals served with love. We bid farewell to a woman who lived her life fully, loved without reservation, and left this world a brighter place for her presence. Joan's memory will be cherished and celebrated as we honor the remarkable life she led and the indelible mark she has left on each of us.