JoAnne Snell

With a lifetime that spanned decades of war and peace, plenty and want, grief and boundless joy, JoAnne Snell always remained upbeat and positive through all the ups and downs that came her way. She handled every challenge with determination and grace, and she went above and beyond to care tenderly for others. Nothing made JoAnne happier than spending time with her family and friends. Her laughter was contagious, and her love for those around her was limitless. Already so dearly missed, JoAnne will be forever cherished.

The 1930s were difficult years for many living in the United States. The Great Depression cast a dark shadow over the country, and families all across the nation worked to pull together and find a way to thrive during their time of need. During these tumultuous years, however, there was celebration to be found in the household of Frederick “Fritz” and Geraldine (Host) Robach of Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they announced the arrival of their firstborn baby. They welcomed their daughter into the world on December 8 of 1934, giving her the name JoAnne Marie. Over the next few years, JoAnne would become an older sister to her three siblings, Mary Lynn, Barbara and Dave.

Growing up in the era of the Great Depression was far from easy, but JoAnne enjoyed a wonderful childhood nonetheless. She was raised in the family home on National Street on the West side of Grand Rapids. JoAnne would always remember her father’s sense of humor. As a girl, she learned how to save and make the most of what she had. JoAnne was also taught how to have fun without spending any money. The frugality she saw modeled during her formative years would stay with her throughout her entire life.

From a young age, JoAnne’s faith was her cornerstone. She attended local schools, including St. Mary’s Elementary and Catholic High School. JoAnne was a serious student and followed most of the rules. But she was also known to get into her fair share of mischief and always loved having fun. Once she completed her education, JoAnne began working at Kresges Department Store, eager to see what the future held.

It wasn’t long before JoAnne met and married Donald Welmerink. Ready to grow their family, the couple adopted their two beloved children, Pete and Terri. JoAnne thrived in her role as a mother, and she devoted herself to staying home and caring for her kids for several years. Though her marriage to Donald eventually ended in divorce, she loved being a mom. JoAnne often brought her kids to the zoo, local parks, and the Kirk Park and Grand Haven beaches. She ran her household smoothly and efficiently, and she was fortunate to have her own mother’s support as she raised her kids.

In order to support her family, JoAnne joined the workforce once again. She became a teacher aid at Straight Elementary for a time. JoAnne then found work as a secretary with Thierica and the Grand Rapids Police Department. She accepted long-term employment working in the Housing and Urban Development for the city of Grand Rapids. JoAnne’s position was similar to an executive assistant, and it was an excellent fit for her. She was able to show her skills and build a successful career for herself, all to take care of herself and those who depended on her.

A new chapter opened in JoAnne’s life as she met the man who would quickly become the love of her life. His name was Joseph Snell, and the two first connected through a singles’ group. JoAnne and Joe were a perfect match in every way, and they truly brought out the best in one another. Most importantly, Joe was a great addition to her family. JoAnne and Joe were married in 1981, and she would often say that meeting him was the best moment of her life. They loved to visit the beach and go dancing together. Later in life, JoAnne and Joe also found a passion for travel. They enjoyed visiting many memorable locations, including Nashville, Florida, Mackinac Island, and Canada.

JoAnne’s greatest treasure in life was undeniably her loved ones. She was thrilled to become a grandmother to her three grandsons, Christopher, Matthew and Aaron, and she doted on them endlessly. JoAnne took every chance to spend time with her grandkids, and she and Joe watched them often so that she could see them even more frequently. She considered herself so blessed to watch her family grow. As Joe’s health declined throughout his battle with Alzheimer’s, JoAnne was a faithful caregiver and constant source of strength. Even when he moved to a care center to receive the help he needed, she visited nearly every single day. Though she was devastated to lose Joe in 2016, JoAnne remained fiercely independent and stayed in her home for many following years. She attended Gilda Club for bereavement support, where she met so many amazing people. JoAnne cherished her relationships, and she was able to help others through their journeys with grief as well.

Throughout her life, JoAnne exemplified what it meant to follow faithfully after the Lord she loved so much. Her longtime relationship with Holy Spirit Parish brought her encouragement, and she did her best each and every day to live out her faith. In her free time, JoAnne enjoyed tending to the flower gardens in her yard. She surrounded herself with her loved ones whenever she could, and she truly made the world a better, brighter place.

As family and friends will certainly agree, JoAnne Snell understood the secret to a life well lived. A dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, she always made sure to pull her loved ones close, and her kindness, compassion, and positivity will not soon be forgotten. Although life will not be the same without JoAnne here, she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her friends and family members forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

JoAnne Marie Snell, age 91 of Grand Rapids, passed away February 15, 2026. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Snell. JoAnne is survived by her children: Peter (Jenny) Welmerink and Terri Brieske; grandchildren: Christopher, Matthew and Aaron Welmerink; sisters and brother: Mary Lynn (Frederik) Patin, David (Ann) Robach, Barbara (Kenneth) Simons; as well as several nieces and nephews, in particular Liz and Paul Uzarski. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Thursday, February 19th at Holy Spirit Parish, 2230 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, where friends are invited to visit with her family beginning at 10 AM. Interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. To read more about JoAnne, to share a memory or photo, or to sign her guest book, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com