Joan’s life began on April 15, 1932, in Niles, the daughter of Carl and Helen (Carter) Malsch.

She was united in marriage to James Personette on May 11, 1951, in Dowagiac.

Joan was a homemaker. She enjoyed gardening in both her flower and vegetable gardens. She was an avid reader and loved to go camping and deer hunting in the U.P. She enjoyed fishing and mushrooming too.

She was a member of Dowagiac First United Methodist Church.

Joan’s loving family includes: her children, Jefry Personette of Dowagiac, John (Toni) Personette of Niles, Jack (Mary) Personette of Bristol, Ind., and Jill Shaer of Dowagiac; her grandchildren, Jason Szymonski and his two sons; Douglas Olkowski; Joseph (Jamie) Bevins and their two sons; and Nadine (Jason) Luthringer and their three sons; sister Florence Williams of Dowagiac; several nieces and nephews; and her best friend Betty Vrabec and extended “daughters” Mary Lillie, Vicky Strong and Lyn Ironside.

Joan passed away at her home on Friday, April 1, 2011.

She is preceded in death by: her parents, Carl Malsch and Helen Malsch-Zakis; stepfather John Zakis; her husband, James; and younger sister, Carol Mosier.

Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time.

Yazel and Clark Chapel is serving the family. Memorial contributions in Joan’s name may be directed to Hospice at Home or Cass County Council on Aging. Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Joan at www.yazel-clark.com.