Joanne Louise Eisele

Joanne Louise Eisele   Long-time Northville resident Joanne Louise Eisele (nee Kissane) passed away peacefully August 29, 2017 at the age of 84. She was born on September 16, 1932 in Highland Park, Michigan to Thomas and Wilhelmina (Hoffmeyer) Kissane.   Joanne is survived by her children, Sally Eisele, Susan Drewke, Janet (Carlos) Junca, Laura Eisele and Dan (Laura) Eisele, her grandchildren Jonathan Junca, Camille (Jordan) Lewis, Noah Drewke, Eric Eisele, Justin Dhanjal, Ben Eisele, Joey Eisele and Harry Herrmann and one great-grandchild, Theodore Lewis; her sister, Sharon Malone (nee Kissane), many nieces and nephews and countless people who loved her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward (Pete) Eisele and her parents, Thomas and Wilhelmina.   Joanne grew up in historic Highland Park, Michigan. She lived through both the Great Depression and Detroit’s heydey as an automotive giant. She graduated from Highland Park High School in 1950. Joanne met Pete when she worked for Michigan Bell Telephone Company and they were married in 1957.   Joanne loved Northville. She and Pete moved to the “Village Green” subdivision with their young family in 1961, when the town was still so small they were featured as newcomers in the Northville Record. The streets in their neighborhood were just being paved, the homes were new and the trees that now shade them were tiny saplings. They joined in with the other new homeowners, enthusiastically helping one another finish basements and landscape, creating the foundation for the graceful neighborhood that exists today. Joanne was a fabulous homemaker, caring for her five children and cooking great meals they are still trying to replicate. Her homemade pizza was legendary, as were her cinnamon rolls and pies. When her children got older, she became an entrepreneur, opening a clothing boutique called Victoria’s Place in downtown Northville in the 1980’s.   In addition, Joanne was skilled at sewing.  Eventually she and her friend, Josie Watson, built a small business, JoJo Designs, where they created and sold decorative pillows, custom handbags, totes and other accessories for the home.  She excelled at creative and artistic endeavors, was an accomplished pianist in her younger days, painted watercolors, and created clothing for her family for many years.  She also loved a good sale and was a shrewd bargain hunter at garage sales and grocery stores.   Joanne was passionate about her family.  Nothing made her happier than getting together for meals, going on family trips to Lake Michigan or simply spending holidays together.  She had a great sense of humor and style.  She was a formidable pinochle player.  People knew Joanne as a vibrant, friendly woman who smiled at everyone and enjoyed helping others.   She loved the gulf coast of Florida. She and Pete became Destin snowbirds after retirement, and made wonderful memories for their family, extended families and friends. She loved it all--Destin, shrimp, sunsets and seashells, and live music at the local pub.   Joanne had great courage. Even as her body broke down, her spirit stayed strong. She never stopped looking forward to the next thing in life. Her life was an inspiration and a gift to her family and her friends that will never die.   A time of gathering will be held Friday, September 1, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 2, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. with a time of gathering beginning at Noon at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 W. Dunlap, Northville.