Joan Marie (Schebil) McMaster, a woman of enduring faith, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to her family and community, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on September 21, 2025.

Born and raised on the east side of Detroit, Joan, the daughter of Lawrence and Leona Braun Schebil, was raised by her mother, along with her maternal grandparents and aunts and uncles, who embedded in her the importance of family. Joan’s early life was marked by a deep commitment to education. She achieved perfect attendance throughout her K–12 years and graduated with academic honors from St. Catherine’s High School. Her pursuit of knowledge continued into adulthood, attending night classes and earning honors at the University of Detroit, where she met her future husband, Gerard McMaster, who hailed from Detroit’s southwest side. She was named the Rose Queen of Delta Sigma Pi, his fraternity, an honor they cherished their entire lives. Their meeting was the beginning of a lifelong partnership filled with love, shared values, and faith.

Together, Joan and Gerard built a home centered on love and adventure. They raised four children, spent countless cherished summers camping together, made annual visits to Siesta Key, and hosted many parties at their home.

In Joan’s professional life, she served as a respected secretary with Dodge Brothers and later lent her talents to the Farmington Community Center and Birmingham Public Schools. In her 40s, Joan earned an associate’s degree from Oakland Community College - a proud milestone that mirrored her belief in lifelong learning.

A devoted member of the Grosse Pointe War Memorial Theater for over 50 years, Joan found joy and fellowship in the arts. She also gave generously of her time and spirit through her work as a preschool religious education teacher at St. Bede’s, and as a member of Teams of Our Lady, the Christian Family Movement, and Friends for Life. Her deep Catholic faith was a cornerstone of her life, but she held a progressive heart, embracing and defending the dignity of all people, including as a proud ally to the LGBTQ community.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gerard, and leaves behind a legacy of love through her children: Gerard (Susan), Colleen (Diane), Douglas (Sharon), and Susanne (Dan); her beloved grandchildren: David (Carolyn), Dugan (Rachel), Ashleigh, Regan, Drew (Amanda), Daniel (Kylie), Nichole, Ian, and Ethan; and great-grandchildren: Leah, Peyton, Leona, and Wesley. She is also survived by her dear brother, Alan, and extended family, loved ones, and those fortunate enough to have called her a friend.

In honoring Joan’s memory, may we each strive to live with the same grace, conviction, and compassion that defined her beautiful life.

Visitation for Joan will be held on Thursday, September 25th, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a 7:00 p.m. Scripture Service at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills. She will lie in state on Friday, September 26th, at 10:00 a.m., until the time of her Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m., at St. Owen Catholic Church, 6869 Franklin Rd., Bloomfield Hills.