Joan P. Boudreau

Joan P. Boudreau departed this earth early on October 17th, 2016, at the young age of 74 years. Joan packed a lot of living, laughter and loving in her lifetime.

She was born on January 4, 1942 in Detroit, MI, the eldest of five children, to Patricia (nee Tobin) and Joseph Labadie. Her family eventually settled back in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where Joan and her siblings were raised. It was there that Joan met and eventually married the true love of her life, Robert (Bob) Boudreau. Together they had three children.

Throughout her adult life, Joan, along with Bob and their children, moved from the U.P. to the Milwaukee, WI, area. They built wonderful memories there with many good friends. A short move to Port Clinton, Ohio convinced Joan and Bob that they wanted to return to the Wisconsin/U.P. area to be closer to extended family. This resulted in their move to Berlin, WI, where they enjoyed life for many years. Following retirement, Joan and Bob returned to the U.P., where their hearts always remained.

Joan had a diverse employment and volunteer history, from organizing the first annual Berlin Memorial Auxiliary Charity Ball to driving the Senior Citizen van. Joan also worked as a CNA, a travel agent and in retail sales. She volunteered through hospice and many other local charities.
Joan was a great bowler in her day, attaining a 200+ average. In later years, she was an avid card player, especially enjoying a rousing game of Sheepshead.

One never went away hungry after visiting Joan. She was truly a talented and creative cook, always trying new, exciting recipes. Anyone who ever tasted Joan’s homemade Caesar Salad will forever crave another bite.

Joan loved a good book, a strong cup of joe and above anything, a warm, purring cat. Oh yes, and an occasional Maker’s Mark Bourbon on the rocks!

As we struggle with our overwhelming sadness in losing our wife and mother, we call to mind the good times. Joan had a wonderful, sarcastic sense of humor and was known for some hilarious and elaborate pranks. She once devised a plan of “stealing” the neighbor’s outdoor Christmas lights, only to wrap them in festive paper and present them to those same neighbors as a “Christmas gift!” The laughter these memories bring serves to comfort us and entertain others.

Joan is survived by her loving husband Bob, her daughter Teresa (Brad) Vnuk, her sons, Robert (Jane) Boudreau and James (Peggy) Boudreau, along with eleven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Additionally, Joan leaves behind her surviving siblings, William (Mary) Labadie, Mary Palka and Joseph Labadie Jr, as well as Bob’s siblings, Richard (Wilma) Boudreau and Kathleen Cox. There are numerous beloved nieces, nephews and cousins who will also greatly miss Joan.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Robert Labadie.

It was Joan’s wish to have her ashes scattered in the woods near the family camp in Garden. There will be no formal service, however, a celebration of Joan’s life will commence next summer on June 17th, 2017. Joan and Bob have been actively involved with their local animal shelter, thus, we would be honored to have any donations forwarded in Joan’s name to the Delta Animal Shelter, 6975 County 426 M 5 Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829. Malcore (East) Funeral Home Green Bay is caring for the family.

“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.” Henry David Thoreau