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Joan Petrill
Born: 9/17/1929
Died: 4/14/2026
Age: 96
Community: Grand Blanc, MI
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Joan (Jo) Odette Petrill made her journey into heaven on April 14, 2026.
Born in Clio on Sept 17, 1929, to Preston and Gladys Odette, she grew up in an atmosphere of love, faith and music. Jo loved to dance, sing and play the piano with her family. She was a majorette and played the timpani drums and other instruments during high school. She graduated from Clio HS and went on to attend Comptometer School of Flint. Joan worked at Buick Main Office in the Cost Department.
Joan met the love of her life Jack Petrill of Flint and was married in 1949 at St.Marys Church in Mt Morris. Jack served on the Flint police department as a Sergeant for 25 years. Together they raised ten wonderful children. Jo often said “my family was my career”.
She had a wonderful sense of humor and clever imagination, creating a sense of fun and wonder in her home. She carried on the love of music and laughter while always reminding her children to “Be Kind and Be Cheerful!” Jo was also a matriarch to many nieces, nephews and friends who adored her.
Her love for God and family were her priority. Joan was a woman of strong faith, referring to Jesus as her “best friend”. She and Jack became members at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, where Jo served as Lector, Greeter, member of the Parish Pastoral Council, Women’s Guild, DSA representative and the choir. After raising her children, she was employed as parish secretary from 1981-1992, sharing her love and gentle kindness with parishioners.
Joan continued her creative hobbies as she was a member of the Flint and Fenton Lakes Sweet Adeline Choruses for a total of 20 years. She wrote whimsical poetry, short stories, and songs. She enjoyed crossword and jigsaw puzzles.
Jo was an amazing role model with a sweet spirit, and she will be deeply missed. She is survived by her children Jeff, Dan, Vicky Marr, Jack (MaryAnn), Janice June (Doug), Becky Parth, Mary Dye (Tim), Therese Lichty (Doug), Tony (Tonya), and Matt (Mechelle). Plus 27 beautiful grandchildren and many great and great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, as well as special cousins in Michigan and Ireland, and friends at Cedarwood Apartments.
She was preceded in death by her husband Jack, her parents Preston and Gladys, brothers Preston Jr, John, Robert Odette, and sister Dorothy Odette Reese, and twin great-granddaughters Faith and Hope Stewart.
The family would like thank the staff of Regency of Grand Blanc for their loving care of our dear mother.
Those desiring may make contributions to St. John Vianney Catholic School, Flint MI.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 2415 Bagley Street, Flint. Father Daniel LaCrox officiating.
Visitation will be held from 12-8pm Monday, April 20, 2026, at Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint and 10am Tuesday until the time of Mass at the church. A Vigil Service will be held 6:30 PM Monday evening at the funeral home.
Burial in New Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com
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| Visitation |
| Date: |
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4/20/2026 |
| Time: |
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12:00 PM |
| Visitation will be held from 12-8pm Monday, April 20, 2026 at Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint and 10am Tuesday until the time of Mass at the church. |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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4/21/2026 |
| Time: |
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11:00 AM |
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| Location: |
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St.John Vianney Catholic Church
2415 Bagley Street
Flint, MI 48507Get a Map to this location...
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| Official: |
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Father Daniel LaCrox |
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