JoAnn Landman's Obituary
JoAnn (Nichols) Landman, born on September 15, 1934, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 9, 2023 at the age of 88. JoAnn was an avid traveler and socialite whose eternally pleasant nature attracted many friends. Possessing an intrinsic spark of curiosity that simmered just beneath the surface, she could often be found with a crossword puzzle and pencil within reach. For those that knew her, it is second nature to picture her in her beloved home on Lake Michigan, spotting freighters with her husband, Bob Landman, calling their loved ones who lived along the shoreline to discuss the ship sizes, and chatting about if they’d be docking at Verplank Trucking in Ferrysburg. With the sun setting over the water, JoAnn was in her happy place. Born in Bay City, Michigan, JoAnn was raised as the youngest of three children after Homer (Jean) Nichols and MaryAnn (Tom) Kinney. As a young woman, she attended Saint Mary’s College at Notre Dame where she studied Education. On a weekend visit away from school to North Muskegon, fate made its move when she was introduced to her college friend's brother. The two were a match, and Bob became the love of her life. They were married 63 years. After graduating with a degree from Saint Mary’s and getting married, JoAnn — with Bob — moved to California and then on to Hawaii, before settling in the Grand Haven area. JoAnn was a school teacher with Grand Haven Public Schools before her children were born, and later embarked on a successful second career in real estate. She enjoyed pouring her efforts into philanthropic work for the West Michigan Symphony and the Muskegon Museum of Art. JoAnn loved racket sports, playing bridge, spending time at Boyne Mountain, the beach of North Shore, and her friends and family. Ever supportive and steadfast, she will be missed by the children she leaves behind: Kris (Jill), Eric (Jill), Jodi (Ken Dail), and her grandchildren: Mackenzie, Hannah, Harrison, Samuel, and Matthew, along with her extended family and loved ones.
The lyrics of JoAnn’s favorite song by Johnny Nash embody her optimism until the very end:
I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I've been prayin' for
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day
A private family memorial is being planned. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your favorite charity. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Please feel free to share a memory with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com.
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