Joan Surdu

Joan Lee (Watkins) Surdu, 87, of Bellaire MI (formerly Clio, MI) transcended into heaven on June 10, 2021.

Joan was born on March 25, 1934. She graduated from Imlay City High School and continued to receive her degree in nursing from Hurley School of Nursing. She worked as a registered nurse at St. Joseph Hospital and Hurley Medical Center in Flint, MI for many years.

She played the piano since the age of 5 years old and enjoyed entertaining anyone who would listen for the next 80 years of her life. She enjoyed singing and spent several years singing with the Flint Chapter of Sweet Adelines.

Joan is survived by her children, Sue Knight of Bellaire MI, Steve Surdu of Ellicott City MD, and Kris Surdu (Nancy) of Flint MI, sister Judy Payne (Marv), nephew Dave Payne (Beth) and niece Diane Roberts (John). She was especially proud of her grandchildren, Brian Knight (Megan), Stacy Belanger (Peter) and Alex Surdu and adored her great-grandchildren, Dylan, Jacalyn, Ella, Rocky, Tristan and Brody. They brought her classic smile out every time she saw them.    She was preceded in death by her parents, Lyal H Watkins and Grace Lee Watkins and her beloved son-in-law, Al Knight.

At her request, and a testament to her absolute devotion to the study of medicine, her brain has been donated to the Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center, to be used for research in brain disorders.

Joan’s family would like to thank the staff of Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility for their tender loving care. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Tributes may be shared at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.