Joan was born on October 11, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Anthony and Rose (Wojt) Donakowski. Preceded in death by her siblings William and Dorothy, she is survived by her sister Carol.
Loving mother of Karen (Andy) Giglio, Denise (Martha) Rochna, Scott Rochna, Jeff (Donna) Rochna and Frank (Laurel) Rochna; cherished “Grammie” of Julia Rose and Charlie Giglio, Shayna Meers, Matthew and Andrew Rochna, Valeria and Maddox Blackwell-Rochna.
Joan had a passion for travel and loved to visit family and friends. Two memorable excursions to Poland and Italy combined international travel with her love of the Roman Catholic Church. While exploring many religiously significant sites, she was enthralled by the Black Madonna of Częstochowa and she carefully carried rosaries to be blessed by Pope John Paul II.
Family was everything to Joan. She enjoyed celebrating her Polish heritage, making pierogis and keeping her ethnicity alive for her children and grandchildren. She regularly planned and hosted the Donakowski Picnic. You could always find her planning the party, in the kitchen sharing her culinary skills with her children and grandchildren, and then hosting from the background, content to watch everyone have a good time. She loved playing cards with the seniors at the Senior Center and every family gathering included card or game playing and lots of “de-licious” food.
Joan had a dry wit and didn’t mince words, but she always made sure you knew she loved you. She was a strong matriarch who worked hard. She taught her family that education was EVERYTHING, and that we could accomplish anything we put our minds to. Her two daughters, three sons and their spouses were her pride and joy. Her seven grandchildren were her “Sunshine”!
A “Celebration of Life” for Joan is planned for Thursday, August 12th, visitation from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. (with a Rosary Recitation at 6:30 p.m.) at Harry J. Will Funeral Home (3700 West Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152). On Friday, August 13th at 10:00 a.m. a Mass will be held at Resurrection Parish (48755 Warren Road, Canton, Michigan 48755) followed by a luncheon at DeLuca’s Restaurant (27424 Warren Road, Westland, Michigan 48185).
Joan loved purple, so feel free to wear the color purple if you attend the gathering or service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital – Oakland and St. Mary Mercy Livonia Hospital or the charity of your choice.
Family and friends may share memories of Joan and expressions of sympathy with her family at her online guest book below.
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