Joan Birrell, age 78 of Orchard Lake, passed away August 10, 2023. She was born February 26, 1945, in Detroit to Henry and Josephine Kanclerz.

Hoping for a transfer while attending St. Christopher Elementary School, Joan made a visit to nearby St. Alphonsus. With fate unfolding early on, she caught the eye of a future classmate, and what’s more remarkable, her future husband, Edward Birrell. The two shared the high school years together filled with sports, dances and academic encouragement. A couple years after graduation, Joanie and Eddie married, excited to start their future side by side. Joan went on to attend Wayne State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. She continued her studies at Marygrove College, and received her Master’s in Education. For 35 years, Joan taught Home Economics for Detroit Public Schools. Affectionately dubbed “The General” by her students, she offered a tough but loving guidance throughout her teaching career.  

The oldest of nine children, Joan helped her parents with the family from an early age. With this experience, raising a family of her own came quite naturally. A devoted wife and mother, she took pride in her home and family. She was an excellent cook with impressive baking skills. Receiving an official endorsement from all her Greek friends, Joan was famous for making the best baklava you ever had.

Among her many creative talents, Joan loved quilting, sewing, knitting and needlepoint. She filled her home with her beautiful designs and delighted in gifting many of her works to family and friends for special occasions. Another passion of Joanie’s was traveling with Eddie. Visiting Ireland, Greece, Italy, Australia and New Zealand were among their most memorable destinations. The two especially looked forward to going on their many cruises. Closer to home, Joan enjoyed life at her cottage on Lake Leelanau. As long as her and Eddie were together, they always had the best time.

A truly kind and generous soul, Joan enjoyed giving back to her community. She contributed her many efforts by gardening and volunteering at the Detroit Zoo. She was a great supporter of The Capuchin Soup Kitchen and longtime parishioner of Our Lady of Refuge Parish. Joan has certainly made an impact on many people, touching countless lives along the way. She will be so deeply missed by all who loved her.

Joan was the beloved wife of Ed for 58 years. Loving mother of Kerrie (Scott) Montgomery and the late Colleen Birrell. Endearing grandmother of Stephanie Birrell, Jack and Reagan Montgomery. Dear sister of Constance (James) Chmielewski, Margaret (the late Francis) Beier, Susan (the late Harry) Hill, John Kanclerz, Karen (Jeffrey) Conroy, Teresa Zigman, David Kanclerz and the late James Kanclerz. Sister-in-law of Mike (Elaine) Birrell. Memories of her will also be cherished by her many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Mrs. Birrell will be held on Sunday, August 13th, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills. She will lie in state on Monday, August 14th, at 9:30 a.m., until the time of her Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Shrine Chapel, 3535 Commerce Rd., Orchard Lake. Burial will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield.

Memorial donations in Mrs. Birrell's name are appreciated to The Capuchin Soup Kitchen.