Joanna Sylvia Samson

Joanna Sylvia Samson, age 74, passed away on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at The Willows of Okemos. She was born on June 2, 1944 in Dearborn, MI to Mike and Joanne (Kuchnik) Taraban. Joanna had lived in Whittemore, MI for 15 years, formerly of Belleville, MI. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University in 1966 and a Masters of Art from Michigan State University in 1971. She was a teacher for over 30 years and taught at Van Buren Public Schools for most of her teaching career. She enjoyed spending time with her grandson Brendan and spent many hours playing educational games with him. Joanna will be greatly missed by her cat Maddie. She taught her children to cook and can jelly from the grape vines in the yard and also enjoyed gardening and music. She loved spending time with her neighbor Carol. Joanna was a member of the St. James Catholic Church in Whittemore and her catholic faith was very important to her.

Joanna is survived by her son, Rick Samson (fiancée, Natalie Hergert) of Mason, MI; daughter, Cyndi Posner (Mike Frazier) of Hale, MI; brother, Dan Taraban (Laurraine) of Granville, OH, Pat Holland (Roger) of Canyon Lake, TX; and grandson, Brendan Posner of Hale, MI. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband, Richard W. Samson.

Visitation at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at the St. James Catholic Church in Whittemore at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Reno Township Cemetery in Whittemore. Father Elias Chinzara will officiate.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the Iosco County Fairgrounds, PO Box 533, Hale, MI 48739.

Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com