Obituary of Joana D. McKeoun

McKeoun, Joana Danielle of Saginaw, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2013, at her home with her loving mother by her side, following a courageous five year battle with brain cancer. She was 21 years old. Joana D. McKeoun was born on September 25, 1992 in Bay City to Tina Walsh and Donald McKeoun, Jr. She was a 2010 graduate of Heritage High School where she actively participated in both cross country and track. Following graduation, Joana proudly attended the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, studying English and Women's Studies. She attended Hopevale Church and volunteered for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Relay for Life. Joana especially enjoyed running, reading and being on the ballroom dance team at the University of Michigan. Above all, she treasured and cherished spending time with her family and friends. Surviving are her mother and step-father, Tina and Chris Walsh of Saginaw; father and step-mother, Don and Amy McKeoun of Saginaw; two brothers and a sister: Tim McKeoun, David Walsh and Anya Walsh, all of Saginaw; grandparents, Reiner and Gudrun Bursian of Germany; step-grandparents, Don and Sherry Walsh of Bay City; and her boyfriend, Adam Watkins of Saginaw and Ann Arbor. Also surviving are many aunts, uncles, cousins, and many near and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Donald, Sr. and Lorraine McKeoun. FUNERAL: Joana's Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 11, 2013 at Hopevale Church, 4873 N. Center Rd. Pastor Mike Garner will officiate with burial to follow in Oakwood Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family on Thursday, October 10, 2013 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Joana will lie in state at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the American Brain Tumor Association, 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Ste. 550, Chicago, IL 60631. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.