DWYER, Joan
Age: 81
Lawrence, MI
Joan passed away suddenly Tuesday afternoon, June 26, 2012 at her home. She was born November 11, 1930 in South Bend, IN the daughter of the late William and Elizabeth (Kelly) Adelsperger. Joan was a social worker for Bronson Nursing and Rehab Center in Lawton, retiring in 2009. Although officially retired, she continued her work helping families until the time of her death. Joan was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Paw Paw and volunteered her time at Eleanor's Food Pantry. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, loving and caring for her family and her K-9 friend Brady. On February 13, 1954 in South Bend, Joan was united in marriage to Walter A. Dwyer, Jr. who preceded her in death. She was then united in marriage to Ken Vliek in 1990, who preceded her in death on May 22, 1997. She was also preceded in death by a brother, William Adelsperger. Surviving are sons, Patrick M. Dwyer of Lawrence, James (Barbara) Dwyer of Decatur and Timothy (Stacey) Dwyer of Paw Paw; daughters, Amy (James) Crites of St. John's, MI, and Kathleen (Jeffrey) George of Portage; grandchildren, James (Kelsey) Dwyer of Dowagiac, Taylor and Morgan Dwyer of Paw Paw; Anna, Alexandra and Emily Crites of St. John's; great granddaughter, Kennedy Dwyer; sister, Elizabeth Murray of Indianapolis, IN; several nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends Friday 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw where a vigil service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, 9 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Paw Paw with Rev. Fr. Joseph Xavier Celebrant. Memorial contribution may be made to Eleanor's Food Pantry, Paw Paw or Hospice of Southwest Michigan.