Alice “Joanne” Waite
Alice “Joanne” Waite, 94, of Onaway, died at The Brook of Cheboygan Friday, November 7, 2025.
A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Onaway, followed by burial at St. Paul Cemetery. For those who wish to express their sympathy, contributions may be made in Joanne’s memory to McLaren Home Care and Hospice.
Joanne was born in Brazil, Indiana, February 4, 1931. She was one of three daughters born to Ross and Anna (Logan) Evans.
After graduating from high school, Joanne attended Indiana State University. During her college years, she met Gerald Waite on a blind date. Their relationship blossomed, and they married February 3, 1951, in Joanne’s hometown of Brazil, Indiana. In 1956, Joanne and Gerald relocated to northern Michigan when Gerald accepted a position as a speech therapist. They made their home in Onaway, where they raised their family and became actively involved in the community.
Joanne dedicated much of her life to caring for her family as a homemaker. In addition to her responsibilities at home, she worked as a pharmacy clerk at both Schwin’s Pharmacy and Penhale Pharmacy, where she was known for her reliability and friendly demeanor. Her commitment to the community extended to the Onaway Elementary School, where she served as a teacher’s aide.
Devoted to her Catholic faith, Joanne was a longtime parishioner of St. Paul Catholic Church. She actively participated in church activities, belonged to the St. Paul Altar Society and sang in the
Talented and artistic, Joanne found joy in creativity. She especially enjoyed drawing, painting and working with pastels. In addition to her love of art, Joanne was an avid knitter. She lovingly crafted sweaters, blankets, hats, and scarves, creating warm and thoughtful gifts for her family and friends.
Joanne leaves daughters, Cynthia (Mickey) Sutton of Katy, Texas and Connie (Dale) Rieger of Cheboygan; sons, Michael (Kathy) Waite of Sandusky, Ohio, Steven (Tina) Waite of Glendale, Arizona, and Patrick (Lisa) Waite of Sand Lake; as well as 10 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Joanne was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Gerald; and her sisters, Rosalie Bridgewater and Marcene Hutchinson.
