Joanne Olga Canning

CANNING, JOANNE OLGA - Age 87, of Flushing, MI, passed away peacefully in her home on November 14, 2023.  Visitation will be 4-8pm Sunday at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek.  The rosary will be prayed at 7pm at the funeral home. Visitation 10am on Monday at the church until the time of the Mass. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am Monday, November 20, 2023 at St. Robert Catholic Church, 310 N. Cherry Street, Flushing.   Father John Perrotta officiating. Following funeral service, entombment will be at the mausoleum at New Calvary Cemetery, 4142 Flushing Road, Flint, Michigan.

Joanne was born September 7, 1936 in Flint, the daughter of Americo and Elena (Ragnone) Pileri.  She was a 1954 graduate of Sacred Heart Catholic High School in Flint.  Joanne worked at Chevrolet in Flint before meeting and marrying the love of her life John "Jack" Canning in 1959.   Joanne and Jack settled in Flushing, MI where they raised their 5 children.  

Joanne was a dedicated wife and mom who devoted her life to her family.  She was tirelessly supportive of her five children and all of their endeavors.  From scout leader to costume-maker, from chauffeur to homemade fast-food cook, from auditorium dance/musical performances to football stadiums, Joanne did not miss an opportunity to support her kids.  Her thoughtful attention to detail helped to create countless special and every-day family gatherings which almost always included mostaccioli with her homemade meatballs and sauce. Joanne especially loved Christmas and having family and friends in her home to enjoy her beautiful Dicken’s village and holiday baking.   

Joanne enjoyed spending winter months on the beach in Florida and especially loved her summers at their cottage on Lake Huron in Oscoda where she could be found creating spectacular gardens, walking the beach, playing board games or cards or reading.  Joanne was a proud Italian but loved her Irish family by marriage (including her fellow “out-laws”). Joanne was a devote Catholic who loved her St. Robert Catholic Church community and enjoyed her time with the Alter Society.  

Joanne is survived by her five children:  Patty Jo Canning of St. Clair Shores, John Canning of Harrison Township, Marty (Jenna) Canning of Nicholasville, KY, Elena (Ed Downing) Canning Ford of Libertyville, IL and Kathleen (Rodney) Killingbeck of College Station, TX, her 19 grandchildren:  Aaron Hill, Nick Hill, Tim Hill, Jim Canning, Joe Canning, Steven Canning, Jack Canning, Kristine (Canning) Cozine, Maggie (Canning) Kippins, Bethany (Canning) Padilla, Tori Canning, Angelina (Canning) Mott, Zachary Ford, Spencer Ford, Eddie Downing, Murphy Downing, Mac Downing, Cate Killingbeck and Casey Killingeck.  5 great grandchildren: Charlotte, Lorelei, August, Sterling and Hayden and a large extended family including: Rose Pileri, Rita Doherty, David Daly, Irene and Clare Abbott, Karen and David Aldorfer, Colleen and Dennis Paradowski.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jack, her parents, her sister: Jina Norko, her brothers: Ralph and Tony Pileri, and her in-laws:  Mary Agnes and Stephen Canning, Ed Norko, Catherine and Jim McGuire, Margaret Mary Daly, Pat and Colette Canning, Tom and Jo Canning, Dick Doherty.                   

 Those desiring may make contributions to St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, Powers Catholic High School or the Flushing Area Senior Citizens Center.  Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com