Joan deAlbuquerque

Monday, September 13, 2021 11:22 pm

Dr. Joan deAlbuquerque, age 54, of Decorah, formerly of Mt. Clemens, Michigan passed away on Septt. 6, 2021.

Beloved daughter of Angela DeAlbuquerque and the late Anthony DeAlbuquerque; loving sister of Mary DeAlbuquerque (Chester), Philip DeAlbuquerque, Frank DeAlbuquerque, Charles DeAlbuquerque (Shelly), and Edward DeAlbuquerque; dear Aunt of Elizabeth Paulson and Rachel Paulson; and dear life-long friend of Karen Plouffe (Kaminski). She was surrounded by love from her Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, friends and neighbors.

Joan attended Clintondale schools, graduated from Macomb Community College, and received her Bachelor of Music education degree from Michigan State University. She earned a Master of Music degree in Wind Conducting from Michigan State University, where she studied with John Whitwell. She earned her Doctorate in Wind Conducting at the University of North Texas while studying under Eugene Migliaro Corporon, and graduated with an impressive 4.0 GPA.

Joan was a great and caring musician and conductor, loved by all for her passion for music. She was a teacher, band director, adjudicator, conductor, professor, pianist, singer, flutist, and published author in music textbooks.

Joan was Band Director at Pinckney High School in Michigan and Adams State University in Colorado. She was Associate Director of Bands at California State University, Long Beach. She was also Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa for 9 years.

Joan’s bands performed internationally, including Norway, Spain, Iceland and notable locations throughout the U.S. including Disney Hall in Los Angeles. Joan also was a clinician in Israel, sharing her love of teaching music. An avid MSU Spartan football fan, Joan enjoyed watching the games, cheering on her team with her siblings and nieces through texts and phone calls.

Joan’s Catholic faith was an essential part of her life.

Visitation will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty St., Milford, MI 48381 on Friday, Sept. 17,  2021 from 3 to 8 p.m., with Rosary at 4:15 p.m. Funeral Mass at St Mary Our Lady of the Snows, 1955 E. Commerce Milford, MI 48381 on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021 at 11 a.m. with visitation and gathering beginning at 10:30 a.m.. The Rev. Fr. George Kooran to officiate.

Burial and graveside service will be held at Resurrection Cemetery, 18201 Clinton River Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48038 following mass at 2 p.m.

In addition, a Memorial Mass will be held at St Benedicts Catholic Church in Decorah, in October. Details will be published in the Decorah Newspaper.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her memory to: St. Bonaventure Capuchin Monastery, 1740 Mt Elliott St, Detroit, MI 48207; Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517 or Right to Life of Michigan, PO Box 901, Grand Rapids, MI 49509.