Joseph, Mary Lou

Ypsilanti, MI

At age 83, Mary Lou Joseph passed away on Friday, October 14, 2022 after a battle with bone cancer. She died peacefully at her home surrounded by her family.

Mary Lou was born on November 5, 1938 in Detroit, MI; the daughter of Mortimer and Bernice (Holtz) Welch, and granddaughter of Louie and Mary (Skabinsky) Holtz.

On October 3, 1987 Mary Lou married David Joseph in Ypsilanti, MI. They were married 35 years until her death. David Joseph survives.

Mary Lou was an E.E.G. Technician at The University of Michigan Hospital for over 20 years, retiring in 1995. She was also a devoted member of both Faith Lutheran Church and Al-Anon where she developed several friendships and nurtured her soul.

Mary Lou, was a strong, independent woman, had a kind and generous nature, and a great sense of humor. She embraced life with a passion, living it to the fullest. She loved merry-go-rounds and tilt-a-whirls, camping, playing games, and many other things, as long as it was with family. She also loved reading and all kinds of puzzles. She loved creating things, like many of her "made with love" delicious meals, decorations like flower arrangements and door wreaths, or "God boxes", and so on. She loved working with tools, painting, home improvement, and scouting the second-hand shops, searching for hidden treasures.

Most of all, Mary Lou loved her family. As the matriarch, she was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandma, nana, and granny. She touched many lives and hearts. Mary Lou loved deeply, and was greatly loved in return. She will be forever missed.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by both her parents and grandparents, as well as two of her grandchildren: Daniel Dorsey (age 38) and Colin Dorsey (age 34).

Mary Lou is survived by her: husband David Joseph, brother and dear sister-in-law John and Digna Welch; five children, Robin Dorsey, Melissa Dorsey, Megan Collins, Mitchell (Staci) Joseph and Michele Joseph;  10/12 grandchildren; Shaun (Mary Jo Neel) Dorsey, Amanda Haynes, Ryan (Michelle) Dorsey, Bailee (Alec Rinaldi) Collins, Shane Collins, Miya Joseph, MacKenzie Taylor, Jacob Joseph, Owen Joseph, Maggie Joseph, and Emma Joseph; 10 great‐grandchildren; Melloney Neel, Shaun Dorsey, Rachel Dorsey, Madelyn Dorsey, Cayden Shock, Keeyara Dorsey, Mika (Mario) Floras, Mela Dorsey, Keith Dorsey and Davon Reid; as well as numerous cousins and families.

A funeral will be held 2 pm Thursday, October 20, 2022 at Faith Lutheran Church with visitation beginning at noon (1255 East Forest Avenue, Ypsilanti). Rev. Dr. James Waddell will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church of Ypsilanti or Arbor Hospice . Envelopes will be available at the church.