Obituary of Joanne Carol St. Bernard

Joanne Carol Miller was born on January 12, 1934 in Monroe. She was one of four children born from the union of the late Lloyd C. and Mabel A. (Cousino) Miller. Joanne grew up in Erie and attended Monroe High School. She married Darwin “Red” St. Bernard and from this union came the birth of three sons. Family and friends were of utmost importance to Joanne. She was bubbly and likeable and never met a stranger. As a mother, Joanne could be stern, but only because she wanted the best for and from her boys. Joanne was an excellent cook and hostess. Some of her best dishes included spaghetti and meatballs, goulash, and her homemade banana nut bread. For twenty-four years, Joanne was employed by Monroe Public Schools in the transportation department as a bus driver. She loved her work proudly serving until retiring in 1994. Joanne was a long-time member of St. Michael’s Parish. She freely gave of herself as a volunteer at Mercy Memorial Hospital for several years with the Hospital Guild, and was also a member of the Monroe Senior Citizens. Joanne was an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers and especially of Miguel Cabrera, and she loved to visit the casinos to gamble. Joanne Carol St. Bernard, age 82, passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at the Lutheran Home. In addition to her parents, her passing was preceded by a son: Timothy L. St. Bernard; a sister: Madeline Betz, and a brother: Charles Miller. To cherish her memory, she leaves two sons: Steven H. (Belinda) St. Bernard of Monroe and Richard A. (Debbie) St. Bernard of LaSalle; a sister: Eileen Heck of Erie; two grandchildren: Richard St. Bernard of LaSalle and Nicole (Jeff) Kansier of Monroe; and four great-grandchildren: Jeffrey, Gracie, Joshua and McKenna Kay Kaniser. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm on Sunday, November 20, 2016 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185 where a Prayer Service will take place at 6:00pm. On Monday, November 21 The Mass of the Resurrection will begin at 11:00am at St. Michael Church, 502 West Front with Father Phil Ching officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn. A meal will follow at the Parish Life Center. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family to assist with funeral arrangements. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.