Joan Eileen Townend's Obituary
Big Rapids - Joan E. Townend, 103, of Big Rapids, passed away Tuesday, January 23 , 2018, at Altercare of Big Rapids. She was born November 1, 1914, in Kent, England, the daughter of George and Constance (Turner) Townend, and came to Detroit from England in 1925 with her family. In 1935, Joan returned to England, and joined the Women's Royal Naval Service when World War II broke out. She served overseas in Singapore and Sri Lanka before returning to the U.S.A. in 1947. Joan worked for the Michigan Insurance Bureau for 28 years. She then retired to Barryton for 30 years before moving to Big Rapids. Joan was a talented thumbnail sketch artist who did the artwork for the 1966 Detroit Tigers Yearbook. She thoroughly enjoyed baseball and was an avid, knowledgeable Tiger fan. Joan continued to travel back to visit England as often as she could, and was grateful for her local Big Rapids friends. Cremation has taken place, and her cremains will be returned to her birthplace. Memorial contributions in her name may be made for the Mecosta County Commission on Aging for their Meals-on-Wheels program.
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