Joann Catherine (Pulte) Pilchak

Joann Catherine Pilchak age 92, passed away in her home on September 15, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Born Joann Catherine Pulte in Dearborn, MI on September 3, 1933. Predeceased by her parents Anton Pulte and Mabel Colosimo Pulte, brother Anton Pulte Junior, and husband William George Pilchak. Survived by children Toni Ratliff (Kevin), Gary Pilchak (Therese), Karen Basha (Michael) and Nadine Dooley (Ron) and grandchildren Michael Ratliff, Patrick Ratliff, Madeleine McMall, Michael Basha Jr., Gabrielle Basha, William Pilchak, Gregory Pilchak, Francesa Ronan, Clara Pilchak, Jack Dooley, Caroline Dooley and 8 great grandchildren.

In her youth, Joann spent many summers in Marine City, MI, enjoying the St. Clair River. She attended school in Detroit and Windsor. A claim to fame was being named “Miss DSR” (referred to the Detroit bus line “Department of Street Railways”) prior to marriage. She met her husband Bill at Detroit Steel and they were married in 1955. They settled in their first home in Redford, MI followed by moves to Farmington Hills, Germantown, TN and Troy, MI. The frequent moves provided Joann endless decorating opportunities, and she was admired for creating homes suitable for publication in House Beautiful. She was a retail enthusiast, frequently greeted by name when she entered the department store. There was also concern expressed by the staff when she hadn’t been spotted in a while at Saks, Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus. Her penchant for always dressing her family in the latest, chicest styles was legendary. In later years, her children fondly recalled that this was her “love language.” Chico’s was her retailer of choice over the last 10-20 years. Family members teased her that she alone was responsible for Chico’s profit margins and noted that she always rocked a “Chico-rific” ensemble.

She enjoyed memorable cruises, European trips, and Florida adventures with Bill and friends in her adult life. In her later years, she was happiest when her children would take her on drives and out for a meal so she could admire the changes in downtown Detroit and surrounding areas. Special thanks and the deepest appreciation to her team of caregivers, especially Kathy Eberline, Pam Dittman, Renae Stebila, Doreen Frankie and Heather DePuydt. She was a good friend to many and a loving wife, mother, grandmother and “Gigi” to all who knew her and will be deeply missed.