Joan Marie Govoni

Born February 8, 1931 

At rest June 23, 2024 

 Joan is survived by her dear husband of 69 years, Primo (Don) Govoni; her loving children, Cheryl (Bob) Wenzel, Don (Mary Penosky) Govoni, Steve (Teresa) Govoni; her cherished grandchildren Steven (Emily) Wenzel, Sam Govoni, Jack Govoni, and Lina Govoni. Fond sister of Gerry Gutzman; several cousins, nieces and a nephew.  Preceded in death by her parents Edward and Josephine (Gurka) Swiersz; sister, Patricia Schwab; brothers Dan (Marilyn) Swiersz, and Edward (Clara) Swiersz. 

 Joan was born in Joliet and attended Joliet Township High School, class of 1948, along with her husband. She excelled in typing and shorthand and after graduating, she worked at Blockson Chemical. After their marriage Joan and Don moved to Grand Junction, Colorado where Joan worked for the Atomic Energy Commission until their daughter was born. 

 In 1960 they returned to Joliet/Plainfield where their two sons were born. Joan was a homemaker until her children were in junior high. She then went back to work as a personal secretary and office manager for Farmers Insurance District Manager Bob Connor until her retirement in 1990. 

 Joan’s children were her greatest accomplishment and her grandchildren her greatest joy. Her face lit up when she saw them. She loved spending time with them playing games, reading, and making them good things to eat. She was the epitome of a dedicated mother, wife and Nana.

 Joan cherished her time as a room mother for her children's classes, she was an active member of the PTA, and she never missed a wrestling meet or a dance class. 

 She so enjoyed raising her family in Pinecrest subdivision and had many friends there. Her house was beautifully kept and she had home-cooked meals nightly for her family. 

 She was creative and talented and enjoyed sewing, decorating, knitting and baking. Her potica and pizza were legendary. She exemplified the value of hard work for her children. 

 Joan was always quick with a clever comment. She loved to dance (polka!) and was very social; always up for a good time with family and friends. She loved entertaining, especially for her "club" of friends. She enjoyed meeting her special friends at Panera every morning and playing cards with them every week. 

 She and Don enjoyed hosting family and friends at their cabin in Sagola, Michigan, where they also had dear friends. Joan treasured her lifelong friends Mary Lou and Stanley "Jay" Widloski, and June and Joe Muren. 

 Joan was a member of St. Mary Immaculate Church in Plainfield for over 60 years and was a member of the CCW. 

 She volunteered at St. Joseph hospital in the gift shop. 

 Joan enjoyed her last three years at the Timbers of Shorewood, where she met so many wonderful, caring people. 

  A Celebration of Life / Open House will be held on Monday, July 15, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Al's Steakhouse - 1990 W. Jefferson Street   Joliet, IL 60435.Cremation rights have been accorded.

 Interment will be private. 

  Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Joan’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association- 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 – act.alz.org. 

 Relatives and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.PleseFuneralservices.com.

 Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the genuine care and direction of Kenneth A. Plese, in Joliet, IL 815-735-2125.