Obituary of Joan Pauline Cousino

Joan saw the light of day on August 30, 1925.  She was born to Irene L. (Briskey) and Curtis G. LaVoy in Erie, Michigan.  She was baptized with the Light of the Spirit one week later.  She attended St. Joseph’s Elementary School, graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1943, and graduated, Magna Cum Laude, from the former Mary Manse College in 1963.

Joan married Wesley O. Cousino on November 9, 1946, in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Erie, and they were looking forward to their 66^th anniversary when Wesley went to his Eternal Reward in 2012.  (Both Joan and Wesley were bred and born in Erie and spent their entire lives there.)  Their family consisted of Marilee Joan, Matthew James, Maria Josette, Marcia Jane, and Calvin Roger Lane.  The family enjoyed camping, especially at Interlochen, and travel in general. 

Joan was employed by the former Toledo Trust Company for six years as a stenographer.  After college, she subbed for the Toledo Public Schools, taught music at St. Anthony’s School and St. Joseph’s School, as well as 46 years of private piano lessons.  She was an organist at St. Joseph’s in Erie, and St. Michael’s in Toledo, and spent 16 years as an organist for the former St. Agnes Parish in Toledo.

Joan has been a member of Mary Manse Alumni and Kappa Gamma Pi since 1963 and had been Editor and Secretary of Kappa Key for many years.  A volunteer of Heartbeat of Toledo for 42 years, she also held membership in the Toledo Piano Teacher’s Association.  A lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph’s, she was secretary for the Altar Society for many years, a lector, Adoration member, and Religious Ed teacher.  A most cherished commitment was finally made as an Associate of the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart in Toledo.

Joan, age 98, was called to her Heavenly Home on Tuesday; March 5, 2024.  Her passing was preceded by her parents; a sister and brother-in-law: Marcia (Henry) Tiejen; brother-in-law: Bill McDonagh; brother: Mark Lavoy; sister and brother-in-law: Mary (Steve) Pompos; and sister: Maxine Lavoy.

To cherish her memory, she leaves 5 children: Marilee J. (Terry) Pearson of Roswell, Georgia, Matthew J. (Patty) Cousino of Lambertville, Maria J. (Francis) Reno of Erie, Marcia J. Cousino of Toledo; and Calvin R. Lane of Onaway, Michigan; 15 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild with 1 on the way; a sister: Donna McDonagh of Grand Rapids, Michigan; a sister-in-law: Mary Lou Lavoy of Temperance; and a sister: Janice Droz of Temperance.

Friends may gather from 1:00pm until 5:00pm on Sunday, March 10, 2024 with the reciting of the Rosary at 5:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, Erie; 9156 Summit Street, Erie, Michigan 48133 (734) 317-7199.  She will lie in state at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Erie on Monday, March 11, 2024, from 10:00am until the time of the Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00am. Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery, Erie.

Any tributes would be appreciated to St. Joseph School or Heartbeat of Toledo.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.