JoAnn Harris

JoAnn (Opalek) Harris, born June 5, 1939, to Anna (Beer) Opalek and Joseph Opalek, lived a life rooted in faith, service, and love for family.

JoAnn graduated from Muskegon Catholic High School in 1957 before pursuing her passion for nursing. She earned her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Nazareth College and later attended Western Michigan University to complete her studies for a Bachelor of Science degree. Throughout her career, JoAnn worked as a nurse at Borgess Hospital and Bronson Hospital and later volunteered at the Borgess Hospital gift shop. She also helped coordinate the parish nursing program at St. Monica Parish, where she provided healthcare and support to migrant workers and their families.

JoAnn was known for her generous heart, tireless spirit, and willingness to take on more than most people thought possible. She gave her time freely to others serving as a softball coach, Cub Scout Den leader, baker for neighbors and family celebrations, and organizer of donations for those in need. JoAnn loved to crochet and sew and spend time creating. She enjoyed nature and gardening and earned her title as Master Gardner. Nearly everything she did was done with love and care for others.

Family meant everything to JoAnn. She treasured time with relatives and traveled across the country and around the world to stay connected with those she loved. As the youngest of nine siblings, she had plenty of family to fill her years with joy.

Her Catholic faith was central to her life. JoAnn lived out the values of compassion, solidarity, and service to the poor through both her words and actions. She deeply valued her church community and especially enjoyed parish family campouts, making donuts for coffee hour, and the wonderful community of friends she acquired at St. Joseph Parish in Kalamazoo.

Above all, JoAnn was a devoted and loving mother to her four children: Keith (Lu) Harris, Kelly (Brent) Frederick, Brian Harris, and Jennifer (Mark) McCulloch. Her four grandchildren, Rachael Frederick, Nicholas Frederick, Emily McCulloch, and Megan McCulloch, were the joy and light of her life.

She will be remembered for her compassion, faith, generosity, and unwavering devotion to the people she loved.

A funeral mass will take place at St. Catherine of Siena, 1150 W. Centre Ave., Portage, MI, on June 19, 2026, at 11 am. Visitation will take place at the church starting at 10 am that morning, with a funeral luncheon to follow.