Our Loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend, Joanne Louise Wood (Chouinard), affectionately known as Jo-Jo, peacefully passed away on November 7, 2024, at age 69, in her home in Leighton, AL.
Joanne was born the fourth of ten children in Battle Creek, Michigan, on February 21, 1955, to her father, James Chouinard, and mother, Romayne Chouinard. In that same year they relocated to Grand Traverse, MI, where she attended school until the 11th grade. But in 1971, the Lord threw her a curveball. She was going to be a young mother. In true traditional fashion, her love, Benedict Darga, got on one knee and asked Joanne for her hand in marriage. In the next eight years, they had four children: Ben, Joni, Frank, and Tonia (“Two-Shoes”) But separated in 1980. By age 25, she was a single mother of four young children, whom she called her “little ducklings.” Yet, amidst life’s challenges, she persevered.
Early on, Joanne worked in housekeeping during the day and attended school at night to earn her high school diploma; a GED would not suffice. For many years, she held various jobs: a waitress, a casino dealer, a cashier, and even a postal worker. She eventually started her own cleaning business, cleverly named “Housekeeping Made Easy.” But in her early 50s, she was deemed permanently disabled with emphysema.
Joanne loved animals, a good campfire and dancing (despite the eye rolls from her children). She loved country music (especially the old stuff!). She fancied herself a great P.I. (Sherlock Holmes had nothing on her), and her most frequently used phrase was “Ooohh, brother!”. I know y’all have heard that one.
But she was also a curious adventurer, always seeking new experiences. She would drive down two-track roads just to see where they would lead. She chased sunsets, and loved to camp (after the tents were assembled, of course). She raised her children on the many beaches of Northern Michigan hoping to instill a sense of adventure and wonder in their eyes. And she did.
Joanne is survived by her son, Ben Chouinard; daughter, Joni Darga; thirteen loving grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Her siblings (whom she loved dearly) are: Diana Chouinard/McClannon, Bill McClannon, Gloria Winowiecki, Mary Wagner, Carla Eickenroth, David Chouinard/Daniel May, Laura Chouinard, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is joined in rest with her daughter, Tonia Darga; son, Frank Darga; father, James Chouinard; mother, Romayne Wilkinson; and sisters, Lila Lautner, Lisa Chouinard, and Yvonne Famiano.
Joanne lived her life to the best of her ability and left this earth wishing her children safety in this complicated world. She was a devout Christian and held onto her faith until the end of her wonderful life. She will be deeply missed by all those she leaves behind. She was one of a kind, and to be loved by her was a true blessing.
A celebration of life for Joanne
will take place at a later date (sometime this Spring) up on Miller Hill in beautiful Leelanau County for those wishing to pay their respects and celebrate her life with us. As per her wishes, her ashes will be scattered over the same resting place as her children, Frank and Tonia, who left this world too soon.
