Obituary of Joseph Oliver Ducharme

DUCHARME, Joseph Oliver Passed away peacefully on January 13, 2013, at the age of 90 years. Beloved husband of the recently deceased Margaret (March 18, 2012). Joe was a very proud and loving parent and grandparent to his 6 children, 19 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Dear father of Mary Anne and husband Dare Pearce, John and wife Ann, Joseph Michael and wife Rose, Margaret Mary and her late husband James Martin, Gregory Joseph and wife Gina, and Mary Jo and husband Mark Podolsky. Cherished grandfather of Mackenzie, McKinley, Sullivan, Sarah, Johnny, Elizabeth, Meagan, Tristan, Matisse, Thomas, Joseph, Madeline, Adam, Karina, Denali, Greg, David, Jackson and Claire. Dear great-grandfather of Kaden, Lucia, Lilliana, Allessandra and Cylas. Many will remember Joe from his long tenure at Chrysler from 1940 to 1978, but it was his work with the Detroit Red Wings for 43 years (1960-2003) that brought him the most joy in his professional life. Joe was awarded 3 Stanley Cup rings for the 1997, 1998 and 2002 Championships (one for each son), and took great pleasure in the many friendships he made during his time with the Wings. Joe was a founding member of the Most Precious Blood Parish and throughout his life was an active member of this community. When not out walking, at a hockey game, or at Mass, he could be found running on the Ford test track near his home. An avid runner, Joe celebrated the milestone of having run the equivalent of the circumference of the earth in a 15 year period. Since 1978, Joe's summers were spent at the family cottage on Lake St. Clair in Stoney Point, fishing, maintaining the lakefront, and enjoying time with his extensive family. He will be missed by many friends. In his last days and months, Joe came to rely on several very kind people for help and assistance in his home and the family would like to thank Gloria McAdams, and the staff at Home Instead, especially Gilbert and Sherri. His family looks forward to celebrating his life. Visiting at the WINDSOR CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME (Main Chapel) 253-7234 1700 Tecumseh Rd. E. on Friday, January 18, 2013 from 2 " 5 and 7 " 9 p.m. Prayers 7:30 p.m. Visiting continues Saturday, January 19, 2013 at Most Precious Blood Church (1947 Meldrum Rd.) from 10:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Interment to follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Catholic Missions. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com