Joan Schnell

Joan I. Schnell

4 June 1930 – 30 August 2026

Joan Isobel Schnell, nee McCombs, recently of Novi but a lifelong resident of Dearborn, passed away on 30 August 2026. She was the daughter of the late Blake McCombs and Irene Houser McCombs.

Born on 4 June 1930, Joan grew up in East Dearborn, attending Lowrey Elementary and Middle School and graduating from Fordson High School in 1948. She worked for Michigan Bell for four decades, and after retirement, ran the York House Bed and Breakfast for forty-four years. Never one to sit still, Joan founded JIS Designs and sold custom-made greeting cards and counted cross-stitch pictures at local craft shows. Joan was a member of the Dearborn Chamber of Commerce where she volunteered and served as an ambassador to local businesses.

Joan was a proud participant in the Order of Rainbow for Girls. She was an advisor and mentor for countless girls, many of whom still affectionately call her Mother Schnell. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Dearborn where she worked as membership secretary for over twenty years.

Always with a welcoming smile, Joan was a friend to many. She loved to talk and catch up with others and cared deeply about their lives. She enjoyed visiting with neighbors and passers-by while living at her house on York St. She loved dogs and was predeceased by her best pal, Riley, a German shepherd mix. Joan loved Turner Classic Movies, reading, building jigsaw puzzles, working word puzzles and desserts of all kinds, especially anything with chocolate.

Joan was predeceased by her parents, her beloved brother Douglas McCombs and sister-in-law Darlene McCombs, and her grandson Matthew Schnell. She is survived by her children Susan (Greg) Almas and Loren (Liz) Schnell; grandchildren Tara (Jason) Newlon; Jessica (Sean) Clarke; Daniel Young; Kimberly Young; Benjamin Schnell; Abby Schnell and her husband Roland Nulph; six great-grandchildren and five nieces and a nephew.

Memorial contributions can be made in her name to any charity that supports animals, children, literacy or the homeless.

Private cremation services entrusted to the Dearborn location of Howe Peterson Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Graveside service to take place at Acacia Park Cemetery in Beverly Hills, MI on Thursday, September 10th at 11:00am.