JoAnn J Zidarevich

JoAnn Zidarevich (Burt) passed away peacefully at Thornapple Manor in Hastings, MI on the morning of September 27th at the age of ninety-four, after her body gently surrendered following a couple of months of declining health. Born on November 20th, 1930, JoAnn was a lifelong resident of the area, creating a life and legacy of love and devotion that endures well beyond the ninety-four great years she lived. Having married the love of her life, Rudy, on April 12th, 1948, theirs was a love that knew no bounds and continued to provide JoAnn with strength, assurance, and warmth until her passing. As a devoted mother to six children, JoAnn’s love and compassion was limitless. In return, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren were all fiercely devoted to her and naturally drawn to her side in service to the bonds that defined her family life. JoAnn deeply loved her family, and they loved her with equal devotion. JoAnn found joy in life’s simple pleasures: her faith, her family, her yard full of beloved lilacs, birdwatching, cheering on the Detroit Tigers, following tennis matches, watching game shows, and escaping into a good book. Blessed with sharp wit and impeccable memory, JoAnn was always up for a good chat and was a great storyteller, with these traits serving her well and endearing her to everyone she encountered throughout her long life. Throughout the years, she was a constant presence at her family’s special events, never missing an opportunity to create memories while showing her love and support. Giving her time, care, and love so freely, her hands were always busy - creating beautiful quilts, countless family meals, and the beautiful home that served as the heart of so many memorable holiday celebrations through the decades. In her career, JoAnn dedicated herself to the public school system, where before retiring in 1988, she had given 20yrs of service as a librarian and guidance counselor at Springfield Jr and Sr High Schools. Through this work, JoAnn’s natural warmth and genuine compassion would touch the lives of countless students leaving an indelible mark on her community. In retirement, JoAnn graciously invested her time in family, further strengthening the bonds that she held so closely. Additionally, she and her husband Rudy used this time to explore a shared love of travel, with Hawaii holding a special place in their hearts.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Viola, and Edwin Burt; her siblings Gene, Audrey, and Marge; and her cherished husband, Rudolph “Rudy” Zidarevich. This year also brought the profound sorrow of losing her son Michael Zidarevich, her daughter Mary Duggins (Tim), as well as a grandchild, Rudolph Zidarevich Jr. (Little Rudy). JoAnn’s legacy lives on in the family she cherished and the countless lives she touched. Though she is dearly missed, her lineage of love and selflessness will continue through all those who were blessed to know her. JoAnn lives on in her beloved children; Rudy (Cindy) Zidarevich of Illinois, Steven Zidarevich of Michigan, Joseph Zidarevich of California, John (Joni) Zidarevich of California; daughter-in-law, Debbie Zidarevich of Michigan, her sisters Phyllis (Richardson) and Juanita (Pierce); as well as in her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., followed by the Recitation of The Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 3, 2025 at the Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made in JoAnn’s memory to the Humane Society of South-Central Michigan. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org