Mildred "Joan" Keating

Mildred Joan Keating - "Jo"// "Aunt Jo" - age 91 of Waterford was born in Pontiac, MI, to George W. Roth and Dona V. Roth. She was predeceased by her husband, Patrick Keating in the year 2000, and by her 3 siblings .. Dorothy (Don) Gregory .. Kenneth (Sharon) Roth .. Raymond Roth. She is survived by Raymond's wife, Janice. Aunt Jo is also survived by 6 Nieces//Nephews (and 1 predeceasing her), 9 Great Nieces//Nephews and 3 Great-Great Nieces.

Joan .. pronounced "Joann" .. and her older sister and younger brothers sang as a Quartet at East Michigan Free Methodist Family Camp when they were Very young. They also sang on a Christian Radio Station and even made a recording.

Jo was 7+ years older than Kenneth & Raymond. She faithfully read bedtime stories to them. After meals were :finished she was always the First one Up to do Cleanup, which earned her the title, "Grandma Joan!"

While in 10th & 11th Grade Joan lived with a Flint physician's family and helped take care of their small children. Then, upon graduation, she was hired 'on the spot' by the George Albert Lyon family of Birmingham to be Governess for their 2 young children. She flew on their plane with them to their Bimini Island Estate. Mr. Lyon, an industrialist & inventor, let her drive numerous Very cool 'one of a kind' cars home for a visit. Ken and Ray, and even her Dad, were excited to do the 'inspections!' While working for the Lyon family she met Patrick Keating. They were married in 1962 and although they had no children of their own, Joan cared for several other youngsters over a period of years. She also aimed to influence her nieces and nephews to have good habits in their lives.

Patrick and Joan had several RV trailers and enjoyed camping with Dorothy and Don at East Tawas Campground. They also acquired a love of 'antiques' and refinished many pieces of furniture. Their home looked like a picture out of "Better Homes & Gardens" which made it the delight of her young nieces. Jo had an 'artistic eye' and could make something nice out of simple things. She also was a 'collector' .. ranging from things valuable .. to 'special' colorful Burger King containers! Jo was a great cook .. a favorite being her ''Brownies to die for!"

She loved sewing .. especially small angels .. plus gardening .. and was indeed pulling weeds the day before she became ill.

Joan was a member of Williams Lake Church of the Nazarene of Waterford. Her 8-month battle with Cancer did not change her motivation and drive. But just recently she became 'ready to go' and be with Jesus and All who are waiting Up there. She passed quietly in her sleep as she, and we, had prayed for. We take comfort in knowing that she is at peace.

"Where, Oh death, is your victory? Where, Oh death, is your Sting? .... Thanks be to God!

He gives Us the Victory through Our Lord Jesus Christ." I Corinthians 15:55 & 57 NIV

Donations may be mailed in her Memory to:

Absolute Hospice .. 9463 Holly Road, Suite 104, Grand Blanc, MI 48439 .. Ph: (810) 694-1042.

Cremation Services have taken place. Arrangements entrusted to Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Clarkston.

There will be a private family memorial gathering at a later date.

Please consider leaving a memory or condolence on Joan's online guestbook below