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Joanne Zacharias Stefanou
Joanne Zacharias Stefanou
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Joanne Stefanou Obituary
She is survived by her husband and best friend of 47 years, Andreas, her daughters Amalia (Kirk), Kristina (Greg) and Katherine (Dan), her 8 grandchildren, around whom her life revolved: Andreas (14), Kiriaki (10), Leonidas (6), Alexandra (5), Anastasia (5), Andreana (4), Constantinos (1), and Athena (1), and her sister Mary Kay (Bill), her brother Gus (Monica), as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
Joanne was born in Detroit in 1950 to George and Katherine (Demetriades) Zacharias. Her grandfather was a founding member of the St. Nicholas parish in Detroit and Joanne was a lifelong member of the St. Nicholas Community and the Detroit Cretan Club, preserving a love of Greece, Crete, and the Church in her daughters and grandchildren. She attended Michigan State University and worked as a high school and middle school teacher of history, language arts, and English as a second language for over 30 years, for Centerline Public Schools.
Joanne and Andreas met on a blind date in March 1977, at the Laikon Cafe in Greektown, and were married by December 1977. Their marriage was filled with love, laughter, trust, respect, adventure, and happiness.
Joanne had a special gift to make those around her feel loved and at ease, and to elicit a good laugh. Her dynamic personality affected and drew in everyone she knew, from her family and wide circle of friends to the Starbucks barista from whom she ordered her decaf nonfat no-foam lattes. To say that she will be missed would be a vast understatement. Her memory will live on in those around her who loved her so deeply.
Family will receive friends Friday, November 10, 4-7 PM at AJ Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Rd., Troy (between Maple and Big Beaver), 248-362-2500. Trisagion at 6:30 PM. Funeral Service Saturday, November 11, 10 AM at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 760 W. Wattles Rd., Troy 48098. Visitation at the church begins at 9:30 AM.
Memorial Tributes to St. Nichoals Greek Orthodox Church.
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3 Entries
David Roman
November 13, 2023
I am stunned to hear of Joanne's passing; it fills me with great sorrow. Joanne was next door to me when I first began teaching. She was supportive, helpful, and a true joy to talk to and work with. The first year of teaching is always overwhelming, but her constant presence and reassurance truly kept me from losing my sanity! Great gifts do not always come in large packages and Joanne was proof of that! She always brought a positive energy, loved talking about her daughters, was a great teacher, and a kind soul. We did not keep in close contact after her retirement, but the world was a better place with her in it. I will remember her always.
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Eve Kaltz
November 13, 2023
I had the pleasure of working with Joanne and admired her compassion and care of every student. She was a gentle and loving lady.
Sandra Gripton
November 11, 2023
My sympathy and love goes out to Joanne´s family and friends. Such a tragic accident. Joanne was a warm, loving and caring teacher. She was respected by all of her colleagues. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sue Gripton, retired Wolfe MS principal.
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