Joan Rae Gonsalez

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Joan Rae Gonsalez. Joanie’s spirit was irrepressible and on April 17, one day shy of her 81st birthday, Joanie held her daughter’s hand and peacefully embarked on her next great adventure.

Joan was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan and lived between there and a small town called Blissfield, for much of her life. Joan attended Michigan State University and later went back to school at Siena Heights, where she graduated with a teaching degree. Drawn west to Washington State, Joan practiced teaching until called back to a career in travel, with various companies and through the creation of her own travel agency. Joan enjoyed working to help underprivileged children alongside former Mayor Charley Royer, and finally ended her working career as a personal assistant to Art Collector and Philanthropist, Barney Evbsworth. Joan's passions in life were that she loved to cook, walk on the beach, tend her garden, and spend time with family and friends. The arrival of her grandchildren, Sully and Freya, marked peak life joy! Joanie was a wonderful mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt and friend, and had a great sense of humor with a laugh that matched her joie de vivre.

Joan is survived by her adoring husband of 27 years, John Gonsalez, her loving daughters Janyce Fink and Lauren (Bryant) Gatton, her fabulous grandchildren Sullivan and Freya Gatton, her beloved sister Janyce (Tom) Sura, her wonderful nephews Matthew (Kelley) Sura and Jed (Renee) Sura, as well as her numerous grandnephews and grandnieces. She is preceded in death by her parents, Dr. John and Rachel Schwabland, as well as her brother John.

We are deeply saddened to lose Joan’s vibrant presence. May Joanie rest in the peace and knowledge of her indelible impact. Until we meet again, Bon Voyage Joanie!