Joann Camille French

JoAnn Camille (Grisdale) French, 87 of The Villages, formerly of Cheboygan, passed away August 21, 2025 at the Casa Bella Hospice House in Florida.

Joey was born February 1, 1938 in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, the daughter of Joseph and Camille English. She graduated from Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart Academy and received her Bachelors Degree from Central Michigan University. Her first teaching job out of college was in Shepherd, but spent the rest of her teaching career in Cheboygan. She was a beloved kindergarten/elementary teacher for over 32 years, making an impact on countless children and families.

She married Gerald "Jake" Grisdale in 1960 in Mt. Pleasant, and they raised four boys. She later married Robert French in Cheboygan, 2010.

Her interests included watercolor painting, gardening and landscaping, as well as daily dips her pool. Joey was dedicated in sending out birthday cards to relatives and many dear friends. She loved to travel and host parties, including her well-known Margaritaville get-togethers called "Under the Pines". It would be hard to find anyone as positive, encouraging, or classy.

JoAnn was extremely proud of her four sons and their families. She is survived by Michael (Sandra) Grisdale of Cheboygan; Mark (fiance Cassandra) Grisdale of Fulshear, Texas; David (Valerie) Grisdale of Warrensburg, Missouri; and Andrew Grisdale of Cypress, Texas; along with 10 grandchildren - Bryan Grisdale, Matthew (Haley) Grisdale, Adam Grisdale, Lee (Melissa) Grisdale, Meredith (Blake) Kidd, Rhianna Grisdale, Roslyn (Randy) White, David Grisdale, Katherine Grisdale, and Charlotte Grisdale;  and four great-grandchildren - Easton Grisdale, Olivia Grisdale, Luke Grisdale, and Margot Kidd (with another one on the way!). She is also survived by her two sisters, Molly (Ken) Lixey of Swartz Creek; and Camey (Tom) Carter of The Villages, Florida, along with several nieces and nephews. Also surviving are Robert's children, Lyn (Danny) Briel, Fred (Karen) French, Peg (Don) Cage, Susan French (and husband Thomas Norris), John (Barb) French and their families.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, her brother, Conrad English, and her husbands.

A funeral mass is scheduled for September 25, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's - St. Charles Catholic Church in Cheboygan with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. A graveside burial service will take place on September 26, 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant.

Memorial contributions can be made to:  CPR Parishes' Community Outreach Fund, P.O. Box 40, Cheboygan, MI 49721, and/or the Sacred Heart Academy Foundation, 316 E. Michigan Street, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858.

Michigan arrangements are being handled by the Charles Lux Family Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant.