Joan Carol Calvin

Joan Carol Calvin, 92, of Traverse City, MI, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2025, in Traverse City. She was born on February 3, 1933, in Elyria, OH, to Henry and Corrine (Fortune) Darst. In 1936, her family moved to Detroit, where she grew up on the northwest side. Joan graduated from Cooley High School in January 1951 and continued her education at Hillsdale College, where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. In 1952, Joan married the love of her life, Jack L. Calvin. When Jack was stationed in Japan with the U.S. Army, Joan traveled on an ocean liner for three months to join him there until his discharge in 1953. Yes, they were inseparable. They then lived in Ohio before returning to Detroit, where Jack worked for Ohio Plate Glass Co. In 1964, Jack was transferred to Traverse City as a manager for the company, and the family made their home there. Together, they raised three children: Terry, Jeffrey, and Jill. Joan was deeply involved in her children’s lives and her community. She was an active member of the P.T.O., a dedicated Girl Scout leader, and the neighborhood chairman, organizing countless blood drives. She played a significant role in the Traverse City Cherry Festival, serving as a board member and overseeing the queen’s selection. Her faith was important to her, and she was a devoted member of the First Congregational Church, where she led the youth group along with Jack and was a member of the church care team, visiting the homebound, serving as an usher, and participating in the Flower Team. She was also a member of the Traverse City Golf and Country Club. In 1975, Joan and Jack founded Northern Michigan Glass Co., where Joan worked as secretary, treasurer, and office manager until they sold the business and retired in 1997. Joan lived a full and vibrant life, enjoying tennis, golf, skiing, sailing, taking long walks, reading, and spending many hours in their yard and gardens alongside Jack. She was also an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Above all, she loved staying connected with family and friends, always making time for those she cared about. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack, and her parents. She is survived by her children, Terry Reay (Patrick), Jeffrey Calvin (Jenny), and Jill Heintz (Peter); her four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many other loving relatives and friends. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at First Congregational Church on February 15, 2025, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held prior at 10 a.m., with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Rd, Traverse City, MI 49696. The family would like to thank Hospice of Michigan, especially April, and all the staff at Traverse Manor for lovingly caring for Joanie and the family these past few years.

Joan Carol Calvin

February 3, 1933 - February 4, 2025