Joanne Casey - Beltz

Joanne Marie Casey-Beltz, née Kimball joined her many loved ones in Heaven on October 14, 2025, after a courageous battle with dementia at age 89. She faced her disease with the grace, humor, and tenacious spirit that truly defined how she lived her life. Joanne was born to Kenneth and LuElla Kimball in Detroit on July 5, 1936. A Depression-era baby, and the eldest daughter of seven children, she began her education in an historic one-room schoolhouse in Warren, Michigan. Joanne attended East Detroit High School and was an alumna of Wayne State University ’58. She earned her Master’s in education from Saginaw Valley State University and retired from the East Detroit Public School District after 38 years of teaching in 1996. Joanne married the love of her life, Terrance G. Casey in 1958 and enjoyed 43 wonderful years together before his death in 2001. They had four children and raised their family in the beautiful home that she grew up in on Charles R street in East Detroit. They enjoyed spending summer vacations up north at the Kimball cottage and hosting holiday parties for their large extended family. Joanne loved teaching and will be remembered fondly by many students she took under her wing. A woman of faith, she was proud of her distinction of being the second longest confirmed member at Immanuel United Methodist Church, where she served in many roles through the years. Jo was known for her love of laughter and music, her amazing gardens, joyful entertaining and devotion to her family and friends. She relished in her matriarchy status for many years. There was always room for more at her table, and her purpose-driven values will be her legacy. In 2006, Joanne wed Thomas Beltz and they shared many golden years together before his death in 2023. They spent tireless hours serving the food pantry at Immanuel and Tom's Catholic charities. Joanne's positive outlook attracted people like a magnet, and made life more interesting and fun for everyone around her. She will be forever loved. Surviving Joanne are her beloved children, Michele Baumgartner (Ronald), Colleen Cadieux (Scott), Matthew Casey (Christine) and Lisa Petrella (Joseph). She was the proud grandmother of Ryan Baumgartner (Jennifer), Jessica Juillet (Jerry), Nathan Casey (Laura), Abigail Cadieux, Maxwell Casey and Elizabeth Petrella; and great-grandmother to Henry, Lucas and Nolan Baumgartner with Baby Boy Casey due to arrive in March of 2026. She is also survived by her cherished siblings; Carol Henson (Perry), Gary Kimball (Susan), Brian Kimball (Stefanie); sister-in-law Carrol Kimball, brother-in-law Gary Holt and many adoring nieces and nephews. Tom’s children, Daniel Beltz and Kelly Willis and their families were also very dear to her. She is preceded in death by her dearly departed husbands Terrance Casey and Thomas Beltz; her grandson David Cadieux; brothers James Kimball and Robert Kimball; sister Linda Holt; and nephew Keith Holt. Her family wishes to thank Brookdale of Utica Memory Care for allowing Joanne to live freely and with dignity in protective, lovely surroundings. A celebration of her amazing life will be held at Wujek Calcaterra & Sons in Shelby Township, 54880 Van Dyke at 25 Mile Rd. Visitation is planned for Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 3-8 p.m. with a service on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. At Joanne’s request, her ashes will be interred with her husband Terry at Cadillac Memorial Gardens East in Clinton Township. Contributions would be appreciated in her name for her beloved Immanuel United Methodist Church on Gratiot Avenue in Eastpointe, or simply plant something beautiful in her honor. Please share memories with the family at their online guestbook at WujekCalcaterra.com

Joanne Casey - Beltz

July 5, 1936 - October 14, 2025