Obituary of Joanne Barbara Gonyea
Joanne Barbara Idukas was born in Monroe, Michigan on July 6, 1938. She was one of two children born from the union of Stanley Idukas and Leona (Frankhouse) Idukas. She attended Airport Community Schools graduating with the Class of 1957. Joanne was married to the love of her life, Thomas Allen Gonyea, by Father Anthony Kerry at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church on September 27, 1958. The couple was blessed with eight children and for many years, Joanne selflessly cared for the needs of her family as a homemaker.
In 1977, Joanne completed Beauty School in Flat Rock. For a period of time, she worked at the Beauty Aisle in Monroe. Soon she purchased her own chair and worked from her home salon or traveled to client’s homes.
Joanne was very active at St. Charles Church. She served as a lay minister, taking communion to the homes of shut-ins, worked on the church paper, assisted with wedding planning, and altar cleaning. She also worked with the Preschool program for several years. Joanne was passionate about her time spent in prayer and since its inception had served from 11:00am until 12:00pm each Thursday at the parish Adoration Chapel.
Joanne was a friend for life, and she always seemed to have love to give. If she had one flaw it was that she worried too much for those she loved. She never wanted to be a bother and in fact seemed to have ESP sensing the needs of those around her. She was quite proud to be an active part of her grandchildren’s lives.
Joanne loved 50’s music and polka, even playing the accordion. She enjoyed being outside appreciating the beauty of God’s creation, watching the birds, enjoying walks in the woods, or spending time in her sunroom.
Joanne Barbara Gonyea, age 84, of South Rockwood passed away at 10:50am on Thursday; August 18, 2022, in her home. She was surrounded by her loving family and under the care of Promedica Monroe Hospice. Her passing was preceded by her parents and a son: Mark Gonyea on March 10, 2010.
To cherish her memory, she leaves her beloved husband of nearly sixty-four years: Thomas of South Rockwood; seven children: Timothy (Beth) Gonyea of Monroe, Talmadge Gonyea of South Rockwood, Tony Gonyea of Avarda, Colorado, Marci (Michael) Ibbetson of Milan, Michael (Mesada) Gonyea of Monroe, Robert (Audrey) Gonyea of South Rockwood, Julianne (Jason) Bomia of Lowell, Michigan; one brother: Edward (Gloria) Idukas of Monroe; twenty grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren.
Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Monday; August 22, 2022, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5815 where a prayer service led by Sister Val Knoche will take place at 7:00pm. She will lie in state from 10:00am until 11:00am on Tuesday; August 23, 2022, at St. Charles Parish; 8125 Swan Creek Road, Newport, Michigan 48166. The Mass of the Resurrection will follow at 11:00am with Father Henry Rebello officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Memorials for those who desire are suggested to St. Charles Parish or to the Companions of Christ the Lamb in Paradise, Michigan. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.