Joann Green (Saccoia) (Melton) Memorial

We tried to be prepared for the financial burden of mom's passing, but life had other ideas, so we are hoping that family and friends might be able to provide a little assistance.

Joann Saccoia (Green), 82, passed peacefully on August 20, 2022, in Cheboygan, Michigan. Joann married Theodore Melton, and together, they had five children. Joann is survived by: daughters Kathy, Susan, Angie, Lucy and her son Tommy (who preceded her in death); sister Lucille Reynolds, nephews Jimmy Reynolds and Mikey (who preceded her in death); grandchildren Amber, Joe, Daniel, Jon, EJ, Thomas, Jake, Dakota, Haeley and Michael, (who preceded her in death); great-grandchildren Ace, Ivy, Skye, Ariabella, Xavier, Quincy, Jack, Ivy, and Raquel.

Joann was born March 16, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, to Angeline and James Saccoia. She spent many years as a hairdresser while raising her family. While she may have only given birth to 5 children, she was a mother to the lost, the lonely, the underprivileged and anyone that needed a hand. Joann spent many hours volunteering her time coaching various basketball and softball teams and won countless 1st place trophies. Joann also loved to bowl in her younger days, shooting pool and playing poker. She lived by the philosophy if I have it and you need it, I’ll share. If you are doing your best, your best is good enough for me. She raised her family to see past color, race, religion, and politics and help others when possible. She would often “take from Peter to pay Paul”, giving her last dollar to help someone in need. Her creative spirit, zest for life and positive outlook touched everyone she interacted with. She was a foster parent at Children’s Village, where she would adopt a child nobody else wanted for the weekend. She also worked with the Sarah Fisher Home in Farmington and taught volleyball at Cambridge House, a home for educable mentally challenged children and adults. After the family moved to Milford, Michigan, she often made it possible for disadvantaged youth who had never been out of the city to experience farm life, serving as a foster parent at Children’s Village. Her home was always open and became a safe place for her children’s friends to hang out, even providing shelter for many kids in need of a place to live. She was also a test driver at the GM Proving Ground for many years, a job she loved while attending school and earning her bachelor's degree in social work. During her time with GM, she won the General Motors Award for Excellence in Community Activities. While her children were in school, she participated in many class activities. Helping with fundraisers, creating haunted houses, coaching and becoming a class sponsor, including letting her garage become a float building location for the Milford High School Class of 80 for four years.

After moving to Beulah, Michigan, she became part of the Association for Retarded Citizens raising awareness and money and creating all-inclusive activities for the community. She was an advocate and raised money for the Benzie County Community Chest to help those in need.

Left to treasure her legacy of precious memories are: daughters Kathy Stewart, Susan Melton, Angie Melton and Lucy Carnes; sister, Lucille Reynolds; nephew James Reynolds; grandchildren: Amber Osborne, Joe Melton, Daniel Melton, Jon Melton, Thomas Melton-Cole, Dakota Carnes, Jake Stewart, EJ Melton-Paquet and Haeley Melton along with their spouses and children, Tate, Ariabella, Xavier, Quincey, Darren, Anna, Ace, Sky, Ivy, Kevin, Jack, Raquel, Lily and Mel Johnson; along with many, many friends.

Joann loved her family fiercely; her presence will be missed but never forgotten.