Notes:

Joan E. Blanzy, 80, of Gaylord, passed away Sunday, April 24, 2016, at her home surrounded by family.

She was born on May 10, 1935, in Detroit to Paul and Bernice Keefe. On June 22, 1957, she married her high school sweetheart, Conrad and they began building a beautiful life together.

Throughout her life, family was always most important to Joan. She was a loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

After retiring from nursing, Joan and Conrad moved to Gaylord to build their dream project, The Aftermath Ranch, or "The 80." After the dust settled and the gardens planted, Joan found a love for golf, playing bingo, spending time at the casino and baking, among many other hobbies.

Joan enjoyed having family and friends out at the 80 and lovingly welcomed many new faces. She adapted to the role as mother and grandmother to many more, and everyone was sure to remember where the cookie jar was. Her generous hospitality and love stands as a testament to her beliefs that will be deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Bernice Keefe; her husband, Conrad Blanzy; and her son, Michael Blanzy.

Joan is survived by her children, James (Jackie) of Gaylord, Mary (Bob) Billman of Kentwood, Barbara of Gaylord, Rose (Kraig) Love of Dewitt and Catherine (Rick) Muzyl of Sparr; grandchildren, Heather (Josh), Gus, Christina (Jeff), Bobby, Richard, Matthew, Jeremy, Kathy and Mark (Jackeline); great-grandchildren, Ashley, Tyler, William, Jason, Jistien, Maxon and Brody; and one sister, Mary Ann Hammond of Maryland.

Joan's gentle and kind ways will be remembered, as she was always compassionate toward others.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, April 30, at 11 a.m. from St. Mary Cathedral.

Visitation will be Friday, April 29, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Service and Saturday at St. Mary Cathedral from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. A time of sharing will be offered on Friday at the funeral home at 6:30 p.m., followed by a rosary by the Daughters of Isabella at 7 p.m.

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to Hospice of Michigan through Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Service, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.

Joan married Conrad Blanzy. [Group Sheet]