Obituary of Joanne Miles McLeod

McLeod, Joanne Miles Saginaw, Michigan Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at St. Francis Home surrounded by her family. She was 91 years old. Joanne Fairbanks Miles was born on November 23, 1926 in Saginaw, Michigan to the late Martha Mary (Price) and Harry E. Miles. Joanne graduated from Arthur Hill High School. She attended college at Wellesley College and then continued her education at the University of Michigan, earning her Bachelor's in English. When Robert John McLeod returned to Saginaw after serving during WWII, they fell in love and were married on December 3, 1949. Robert and Joanne enjoyed raising their family together in Saginaw where they were deeply rooted within the community. Joanne was a successful entrepreneur using her skills in property investment, she also was a commercial rated pilot owning a plane and traveling with family and friends throughout the United States. Joanne was a skilled seamstress and had a love for art and music using her talents in weaving, pottery, sculpting, playing the piano and guitar. Her leadership skills and commitment to community led her to be a long time member and past President of the Saginaw Twp. School Board, where she was instrumental in making sure that girls had an equal opportunity in sports to practice and develop their skills. She also was past President of the Junior League, the Saginaw Art Museum and was instrumental in forming the First Ward Community Center. Later in life she was elected as the Saginaw Township Treasurer and served in that role for two terms. Joanne's love of sports earned her many trophies in golf (six time Saginaw County Club Women's Golf Champion), bowling, tennis, downhill and water skiing. Joanne was a faithful member of St. John Episcopal Church, Saginaw singing in the choir. While wintering in Sanibel, Florida she attended St. Matthew Episcopal Church. Joanne is survived by her three daughters and their spouses: Patricia M. Williams and her husband, Scott E.; Martha M. Neumann and her partner, Greg Weiler; Susan M. McColgan and her husband John A.; son-in-law, Derek R. Rainey and his wife, Katrina; thirteen grandchildren: Kyle E. (Melissa) Williams, Trevor J. (fiancee, Nicole Rheams) Williams, Ross B. Williams, Patricia F. (partner, Michael Giannola) Williams, Bradford M. (fiancee, Liz Seidell) Neumann, Curtis L. (Jesse) McLeod, Robert P. (Michelle M.) McLeod, Morgan R. (fiancee, Kendall Lalko) McLeod, John A. (Megan L.) McColgan, III., Monique McLeod McColgan; Jocelyn W. (Jacob) Edin, Britta M. (Ben) Spitzley and Rexton A. (Monica) Rainey; great grandchildren: Tatym, Avery and Carsyn Williams, Layla and Gavin Williams, Santino M.S. Giannola, Gwen and Emmett Edin, Barrett, Raina and Lauren Spitzley, Arthur Rainey, Nora McLeod and Libby Neumann; two nieces, and a nephew. Joanne was preceded in death by her husband, Robert John McLeod on October 6, 2010; daughter, Christine McLeod Rainey; brother and sister-in-law, Harry E. (Carol) Miles Jr.; special aunt and uncle, Ruth (Miles) and Larry J. Bleasdale. Joanne's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of St. Francis Home of Saginaw for the wonderful care that they provided during her stay. FUNERAL: A private funeral service will take place at St. John Episcopal Church, 123 N. Michigan Ave., Saginaw. The Rev. Curt Norman will officiate with burial to follow in Oakwood Cemetery. VISITATION: Family and friends will visit at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Friday, February 2, 2018 from 3:00-8:00 p.m. MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to Saginaw Community Foundation, First Ward Community Center, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fund or the Alzheimer's Association. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com