Joan Laura Stebbins' Obituary
Joan Laura Stebbins of Brooklyn, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the age of 74, after a brief but brave battle with cancer. She passed from this earth surrounded by her closest family and friends.
She was born on May 16, 1951, in Toledo, Ohio, to Paul and Marjorie (Donnelly) Sturtz. Joan married Robert Stebbins on August 22, 1981, in Toledo, Ohio. They had 47 wonderful years together until her passing. In her former years, Joan attended Notre Dame Academy, and went on to receive her bachelor and master’s degree at the University of Toledo. She was trained in the field of social work and counseling, and influenced many lives while professionally serving her community for over 35 years. Throughout that career in the Toledo area, she worked with individuals with developmental disabilities, vision impairment, and provided support in rehabilitation services as an administrator and a visionary leader. Joan was also a fierce advocate for human rights.
She will live on in remembrance as a strong assertive woman that spoke her mind, and always stood up for what she believed was right. She was a caring person that laughed easily, and loved to dance! As a spiritual woman, Joan lived life for her family, including her husband, children, much anticipated grandkids, and dogs. Exemplifying love and light, people naturally gravitated to her open arms and genuine smile. Joan has always had a strong affinity for lake life, spending her summers in the Irish Hills enjoying water skiing, and boating. When Joan retired, she fulfilled her dream of living full time at Wamplers lake with Bob, where she loved to host gatherings for family and friends. Joan volunteered for several community events, including Frog Holler Farm festival and food bank fund raisers. She enjoyed music festivals, community culture, and religiously attended local yoga and exercise classes. It is no surprise she was a lover, and fighter, to the very end. Joan will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Joan is survived by her husband, Bob; children, Brian (Nicole) Stebbins and Laura (Anna) Stebbins; siblings, Barbara (Mike) Infantino, and Richard (Martie) Sturtz; grandchildren, Marjorie, Everett, and Alara Stebbins; several nieces and nephews; and a very large extended family. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother William Webb, and two beloved dogs, Roxie and Maggie.
Memorial Contributions are suggested to the Humane Society of Jackson County, the Toledo Humane Society, or animal rescue of your choice. Please leave a message of comfort for Joan’s family or sign her guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.
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