Joan Pinney

DeForest - Our hearts are broken as we announce the passing of our beloved mother. The one who supported and believed in us every day of our lives.

Joan Kathryn Pinney was born in St. Ignace, Michigan on March 12, 1952, to John F. and Edra L. (Lachapelle) Lahaie. She was one of nine children and would never miss a chance to tell anyone she was the middle child. In early high school, her family moved to Marquette, Michigan. After completing high school, she went to NMU for a short time and worked on the switchboard there. After she left NMU, she worked for a bank in Marquette.

In 1971, Joan met Robert “Bob” Pinney while playing softball in Marquette. They married shortly after on July 1st, 1972, and began their journey together, moving from California to Michigan to Indiana to Wisconsin. During her time in California, she worked for a mortgage company. After welcoming their first child, they decided to move closer to family and headed back to Michigan. She supported Bob as his job took their family to many different states and different homes. She spent many years caring for their children, Jeffrey and Jennifer, playing volleyball, and bowling in a weekly league with friends. She started a daycare at their home and after that worked at many different childcare centers. She had a passion and joy for creativity through many different activities and worked at a few assisted living facilities as an activity director. In the later years, she became Bob’s caregiver after he suffered a mini stroke and provided support and guidance to her children as they navigated his care.  

In 2005, Joan became a grandma. Her granddaughter, Skyler, was the light of her life. Skyler was born prematurely at 25 and a half weeks weighing 1 lb. 7 oz. She and Skyler had an undeniable bond. She enjoyed taking Skyler on trips, to music classes, crafting, and baking. Joan was lucky enough to have two grandsons, Sloan and Spencer. They quickly stole her heart. She spent many years caring for her grandchildren and enjoyed every moment. We will cherish our memories of special trips, celebrating national days, crafting, baking, building puzzles, playing games, singing, and many hours of reading together. 

Her love of family ran deep, and she enjoyed sharing many stories about growing up with such a big family. She was the keeper of all the family photos as her love of scrapbooking provided books upon books for family and friends. She loved traveling with family and friends on Badger Bus Tours, playing cards including euchre and cribbage, visiting different restaurants based on every letter of the alphabet, and making thoughtful baskets for friends and many local teachers. She loved to spread joy to all those around her.

In 2018, Joan was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. She had a positive attitude through it all and chose to have a stem cell transplant done in 2019. She ultimately decided that she wanted to enjoy the remaining years enjoying her family and friends and not continue any treatment. In the last years, she has cherished her time with visits from friends and family, making cards, building puzzles, watching her favorite shows, and playing games on her tablet. We want to thank her dear friend and caregiver Vicky Wilcox. She always looked forward to their conversations and that helped her get through her final months and days.

She died peacefully at the SSM Health Hospice Home in Baraboo, Wisconsin on Monday, July 14, 2025.

Joan is survived by her former husband Robert “Bob” Pinney; their children, Jeffrey J Pinney of Appleton, Wisconsin and Jennifer J (Corey) Speth of DeForest, Wisconsin; and 3 grandchildren, Skyler (20), Sloan (11), and Spencer (7); siblings, David (Ann) Lahaie, Ann Lahaie, Ron Lahaie, Steve (Craig) Lahaie, Sue Mathys, Robert (Marcia) Lahaie, Jim (Elaine) Lahaie; sister-in law, Karol Lahaie; and many nieces and nephews, extended family and dear friends.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, John and Edra Lahaie; brother, John “Jack” Lahaie Jr. and brother-in-law, Rick Mathys.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Ryan Funeral Home, 6924 Lake Rd, DeForest, WI 53532, on Saturday, August 9th, at 12 PM. Visitation will be held from 11 AM until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation or Agrace. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

DeForest Chapel

6924 Lake Road

608-846-4250