Joanne K. Arrick, a devoted educator, theater director, and vibrant community advocate, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026, at the age of 85.

Born in Detroit in 1940 to the late Lucille and Robert Bennett, Joan spent her childhood in Livonia, attending Clarenceville schools, before moving to Dearborn Heights. She graduated from Lowrey High School in Dearborn in 1959. Joan began her higher education at Adrian College before earning her Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education with a focus on English, Speech, and Theater from Northern Michigan University. She later completed her Master of Arts in Secondary Administration at Eastern Michigan University.

In 1967, while teaching at Dearborn High School, Joan met her fellow teacher and the love of her life, George Arrick. The two were married in 1970 and shared 52 wonderful years together until his passing in 2022.

Joan spent her life enriching the lives of young people through education and the arts. Her teaching career spanned high schools in Munising, Marquette, Dearborn, and Novi, from which she retired in 2000 after 23 dedicated years. Throughout her career, Joan’s energy was tireless: she directed school plays, coached track and cross-country, sponsored the yearbook, and served as the State Thespian Director.

Her passion for theater extended far beyond the classroom. Joan was deeply involved with the Dearborn Area Theater Association (DATA)—where she was proudly inducted into the DATA Hall of Fame—as well as the Dearborn Civic Theater and DATA’s Random Acts of Theater. Joan loved every facet of dramatic arts, teaching lighting, set design, and the intricate process of show production. She took immense pride in every student who ever stepped onto a stage or worked behind the scenes.

A tireless volunteer, Joan was an active member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). She served as book sale chair, membership chair, and writer for the Legacy newsletter, and she spearheaded the creation of the Marge Powell Award & Scholarship, presented annually to a Dearborn Public Schools high school senior. For her extensive civic contributions, Joan was honored with the Mayor’s Award for volunteer service. She also shared her warm spirit and love for history and art as a docent at the Henry Ford Estate, an usher at the Detroit Opera House, and a Gallery Services volunteer at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Above all, Joan found immense joy in her family and friends. She loved summer trips to the family cottage at Higgins Lake, camping, walking, reading, playing cribbage, and hosting loved ones.

Joan is survived by her loving daughter, Amy, and son-in-law, Brian Miller; her cherished grandsons, Sean and Joseph; as well as many extended family members, former students, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lucille and Robert Bennett, and her beloved husband, George.

A visitation for Joanne will take place at Howe-Peterson Funeral Home 22546 Michigan Ave. Dearborn from 4:00-8:00pm with a service beginning at 7:00pm.