About
Joan Cleland Obituary
Joan passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025 at the age of 78 after a lengthy illness. Born to Harry and Lucille Lewis on May 5, 1947 in Emerson, New Jersey. Graduated from Emerson High School in 1965; graduated from Hillsdale College, Cum Laude in 1969. Dearest mother of Jenny Downey (Jed) and Jackie Deckman (Todd). Cherished grandmother of Ella and Fallon Downey, and Ruby and Lila Deckman. Dear sister of Richard Lewis, Carolyn Lewis, Joy Lewis, and Robert Lewis.
Joan was an early and organizing leader of the Commercial Real Estate for Women organization (CREW). For most of her career, she served as the CEO of Acquest Development, where she led the development of major hotel and convention center projects in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Florida. When she wasn't doting on her grandchildren, Joan cultivated many friendships on the golf course, but never achieved her lifelong goal of a hole-in-one.
Memorial donations may be made to Alternative for Girls, 903 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48208. A memorial gathering will be scheduled in the near term future.
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