Joanne M. Carey

Joanne M. Carey, 83, of Channing, passed away on Friday, January 8, 2016 at UP Health System in Marquette, MI, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 7, 1932 in Hermansville, MI, daughter of the late George and Julia (Savord) Helgren. Joanne graduated from Channing High School in 1950 and attended the Alma School of Cosmetology. She married John R. “Jack” Carey on December 2, 1950 at St. Rose Catholic Church in Channing. Joanne was the manager and a hair stylist at Curls & Swirls in Bessemer for several years. She was also employed at the Casanova Ski Shop at Indianhead Mountain. Joanne was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church where she served as a Eucharistic Minister, taught CCD and was the CCD program coordinator for many years. She was an excellent baker and made fantastic sweet rolls. Joanne enjoyed golfing, snowmobiling, attending productions at the Crystal Theatre and spending winters in Florida. Most of all, she loved spending time with family and friends. Joanne is survived by her husband of 65 years, Jack; three children, Debra Carey (Mark Serwe) of Bessemer, MI, James (Toni) Carey of Channing and Barb Carey of Oxford, WI; seven grandchildren, Chad (Jodi) Bruno, Michael Loy, Meagen “Pippi” (Josh) Morrison, Ryan (Kylie) Carey, Lindsay Carey, Erin (Justin) Dillon and Gretchen Carey (Emily Yerby); six great grandchildren, Kellan, Braedyn, Isabella, Carver, Finley & Sawyer; three brothers, James (Wilma) Helgren, Ralph (Gloria) Helgren and Dorias “Butch” (Rae) Helgren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Karen Koski and Germaine Layman; two brothers, George and Kenny Helgren; and an infant brother, Robert Helgren. Visitation was held today from 10:00am to 12:00pm at St. Rose Catholic Church in Channing. The funeral mass followed at 12:00pm at the church. Fr. Brandon Oman and Fr. Dan Malone offered the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in the Channing Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family who will purchase a bench and make a donation to the Thin Blue Line of Michigan in Joanne’s memory Condolences may be expressed to the family of Joanne Carey online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Joanne M. Carey

August 7, 1932 - January 8, 2016