JoAnn M. Parr, age 59 of Manistee, MI died early Friday morning, August 12, 2016 at her mother's home in Manistee after a strenuous and courageous battle with Cardiomyopathy. She was born March 13, 1957 in Manistee and was the daughter of Barbara M. (Niemierowicz) and the late Glen W. Parr. She was a graduate of Manistee High School with the class of 1975. She then attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo earning her Bachelor's Degree in Geriatric Social Work. She worked as a social worker for many years and was determined to continue as often as her health would allow in various nursing homes in Ludington, Muskegon and Bellaire.

She was a dear daughter and a devoted sister and aunt. She enjoyed doing volunteer work with the handicapped. Her hobbies included her love for drawing and painting, reading, traveling and playing her guitar. One of her favorite things to do was to spend time "antiquing" with her dearest friend Sonyia Blough.

She was a lifelong member of the Catholic Community of Manistee (St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Shrine Church).

She is survived by her mother, Barbara Parr of Manistee; 2 sisters and brothers-in-law, Susan & Terry Goldberg of Grand Haven, MI and Linda & Daniel Cunningham of Portage, MI and 1 brother and sister-in-law, Allen & Dawn Parr of Grand Rapids; 6 nieces and nephews, Michael and Jacob Goldberg, Paige and Gregory Parr and Sophia and Luke Cunningham; her aunt Louise & uncle James McDonagh; Numerous cousins also survive her.

She was preceded in death by her father, Glen Parr; her maternal and paternal grandparents and many aunts and uncles.
In accordance with her wishes cremation has taken place. Mass from The Order of Christian Funerals will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery also in Manistee. The family will be at the church one hour prior to her funeral Mass to receive friends.

A memorial has been established in JoAnn's name for the American Heart Association. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and will be available at the church on Saturday.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.