Joan S. Knudsen

Knudsen, Joan, age 87, mother to 5, wife of 47 years to Frank and beloved grandmother to 4, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Novi, Thursday, October 27, 2022. Joan was born March 21st, 1935 in Windber, PA to Peter and Julia (Metro) Sweltz. Mother to Clifford (Carolyn), the late Carla, Russell (Tanya), Martin (Renata), and Lance (Susan). Grandmother to Andrew (Carly), Olivia (Troy), Hadley and Jacqueline. Raising five children was a challenge that Frank and Joan made look easy. Everyone who knew them witnessed the commitment and love they gave their daughter Carla who suffered from Battens disease. In addition to the wonderful care she gave her daughter, Joan provided decades of support to her boys and the shenanigans of lawn care, car repair, and endless motorcycles. Amidst the chaos of her household, Joan always had a cooler filled with handmade sandwiches, and iced-tea for her boys as they headed out the door to yet another race weekend. Joan worked at Madonna University in the Financial Aid Dept for 30+ years. During her tenure at Madonna, her widespread efforts and commitment to student success benefitted many. Her triumph in helping students is still felt and echoed by others to this day and will be greatly missed by future generations. Joan made many wonderful friendships and always loved helping others. The legacy of this generous and caring woman is the hospitality and family memories she constantly made an effort to create. Joan had an overwhelming ability to always remember all the birthdays, anniversaries, and special dates for everyone in the family. She was the chief historian for both sides of the family, the glue that held everyone together. Her wonderful stories and contagious laughter will be cherished by all the many nieces and nephews forever. There was always an available seat, a drink, and a zip lock bag of leftovers at the Knudsen holidays. Rose Living Center, her home for the past three years, brought her so much joy and new friends. Her last moments were sitting with her friends playing the BINGO she loved. In state Saturday, November 5th 9:30 AM until the 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. James Catholic Church, 46325 West Ten Mile Road, Novi, MI 48374. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to BDSRA Foundation (Batten Disease Support Research Foundation). Website bdsrafoundation.org. Phone # 1-800-448-4570. To share a memory, please use the Share a Memory tab on this webpage.

Joan S. Knudsen

March 21, 1935 - October 28, 2022