Joan Elizabeth (Lauzon) Bennetts was born October 3, 1928 in Ironwood Michigan, Daughter of Joseph and Zella (Yankee) Lauzon. Joan had three brothers Thomas, Joseph, and Johnny, as well as three sisters Gertrude, Donna Sullivan, and Sybil Georgianni. She is survived by her brother Johnny, sister Donna Sullivan, and Sybil Georgianni.

Joan graduated high school from St. Ambrose in Ironwood Michigan in 1947.She worked at Northern Bakeries and Molon Brothers Trucking both in Ironwood where she met her forever soulmate Gabe Bennetts.  They were married in July of 1953. While in Ironwood they had their first son Jeffery Thomas, shortly after they relocated to Manistique, Michigan where they had their second son Glenn Joseph. In a few years they relocated to Marquette Michigan where they had their last son James Alan.

In 1966 they moved to South Haven, Michigan where they lived for two years. Their last relocation took them to Traverse City.  Joan worked in shoe sales at the JC Penney Store, and then joined Consumer's Power as a customer service representative where she retired from that position.

Not long after retiring Gabe and Joan would spend part of their winters in Phoenix, Arizona where they made many friends. In 2003 they purchased their last home in Woodcreek in Traverse City where they enjoyed meeting their great neighbors and friends.

For almost 40 years Joan made ceramics, then made baskets she was very creative with writing poetry. Joan loved her family, friends, and was always willing to share delicious baked goods.

When Joan passed her family was by her side in spirit. Joan had 3 children, 11 grandchildren, and 22 great grandchildren. Joan was a lifelong devoted catholic.  She is survived by her sons Jeff in Traverse City, her son Glenn in Traverse City, and her son Jim and his wife Lynne in Wasilla, Alaska;11 grandchildren, and 22 great grandchildren.

On October 5, 2024, there will be a graveside service at 12:00 noon at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens in Traverse City, followed by a celebration of life luncheon from 1-3 pm at the Grand Traverse Pie Company.

Beacon Cremation and Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel is in charge of arrangements

www.beacomfh.com