Joan Marie (Derezinski) Webster, PhD. Passed away on May 8, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida. Joan passed from natural
causes and was surrounded by her family on the day she passed.
Joan was born to Chester and Lillian (Kloska) Derezinski in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on January 29, 1936. She was educated in the Catholic schools and graduated in 1953 from Catholic Central High School. She attended Aquinas College and earned her bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Michigan State University where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. It was at Michigan State University that Joan met her future husband, Richard, (Dick) Webster. They were married for 67 years.
Joan’s career was in education, and she held many positions in the field including elementary teacher and principal at several elementary schools and leadership positions in Head Start and Follow Through programs. She also taught education classes at Aquinas College, Michigan State University, and Western Michigan University. She was Director of Continuing Education at Grand Rapids Community College. She was a dedicated educator and mentored many future teachers and students.
After retirement from education, Joan and Dick moved to Longboat Key, Florida where Joan was a respected politician and served as mayor of Longboat Key for two terms. She and Dick spent summers at their home on Lake Charlevoix, enjoying boating especially exploring the Great Lakes on their sailboats and trawler all named TEQUILA! Winters were spent on Longboat Key in their retirement years until they became permanent Florida residents in 2018. Joan was a reader at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, President of Women ‘s Guild, and Chair of the annual fashion show at the Church. Joan and Dick were also long-time members of Bird Key Yacht Club. She often hosted gatherings for her friends in the Winter when many visited that area of Florida.
When Joan was not entertaining family and friends, Joan would enjoy traveling with Dick. She planned and embarked on many memorable trips to the northwest and northeast coastal areas of the United States. They also enjoyed exploring Europe together.
Joan is survived by her husband, Richard Webster (Dick), sister, Alice Derezinski Donahue, sister-in-law, Marcia Derezinski (Tom dec) and brother-in-law, Tom Miknavich (Phyllis. dec), several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Chester and Lillian Derezinski, brother Tom Derezinski, and sister Phyllis Miknavich. Per Joan’s wishes cremation has taken place and she will be inurned at Holy Cross Cemetery in the Derezinski’s family plot Grand Rapids, MI.
Memories may be shared at Toale Brothers Funeral Home. Memorial gifts may be sent to: St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228
