Joan Brault

Joan Louise Haitz Brault passed away at the age of 89 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, surrounded by her family. Joan was born in Rochester, New York, to a professional photographer and an artist, LeRoy Joseph Haitz and Helen Costigan Haitz. She attended John Marshall High School and the University of Rochester. After graduation, she accepted a secretarial position at Eastman Kodak, a decision that would change her life forever. That is because while there, she met a fellow Kodak employee, Frank “Chip” Brault, and they married six months later, on New Year’s Eve 1960. After a wedding reception at the George Eastman House, they drove off on their honeymoon, only to get hit by a blizzard, which trapped them unexpectedly in a small motel in the middle of nowhere. This adventurous beginning led to a beautiful marriage of 62 years.

Joan’s husband’s job with Kodak took them from Rochester, New York, to San Francisco, California, to Atlanta, Georgia. During those years they explored America’s national parks in their Coleman pop-up tent trailer, with their two daughters and their Miniature Schnauzer Fritzie. In addition to traveling around the country, Joan also played on various women’s tennis teams, served as a Girl Scout troop leader, was the room mom, and hosted and attended numerous fun parties with her many friends. She also had a long career with Hallmark Greeting Cards, which she enjoyed immensely. After Joan and Chip both retired, their adventures continued as they traveled the world and lived in Naples, Florida; Venice, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Bluffton, South Carolina.

Joan loved reading, cooking, cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs, competing in cutthroat Uno tournaments with her grandchildren, and hosting movie nights. Above all, she loved her family. She was always there with kind and encouraging words.

Joan is survived by her two daughters Carolyn Seefer (Chip) and Susan Smith (Gary); her six grandchildren Jake Seefer (Alison), Stephanie Cowman (Nick), Scott Smith (Evie), Kelli Smith (Andrew), Kristi Smith, and Mitchell Smith; her six great-grandchildren Bryson Smith, Jack Cowman, Kessa-Jo Smith, Charlotte Joan Smith, Riley Seefer, and Truett Smith; her sister Brenda Royka; her nephew Rich Royka (Licia); and her niece Kris Bertrand (Mike).

Joan was a kind and gentle soul. She adored her family and treasured her time with them. She will be deeply missed and forever loved. And we have no doubt that she is now with our dad, in each other’s arms dancing slowly to “Love Me Tender,” which was always their song.