Joan M. Witkowski, 84, Devoted Wife, Mother, and Grandmother

Joan’s life was defined by her unwavering love for her family and her most cherished role was as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Joan was a lifelong resident of the area. She attended Nativity BVM Catholic grade school and graduated from Lorain High School in 1958. She had worked as a secretary at Lorain Products before becoming a medical staff secretary at St Joseph Hospital where she dedicated 20 years of service before retiring in 1998.

Throughout her life, Joan was a devoted lifelong member of Nativity BVM Catholic Church in Lorain who was deeply committed to her faith and her community. She served as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister for many years as well as a member of the church Altar & Rosary Society. She was also a member of the Black River Historical Society, the friends of the Westside Catholic Center and a volunteer at Community Health Partners Hospital.

An avid golfer and proud member of Oberlin Golf Club, Joan was known for her remarkable skill on the course including having achieved a hole-in-one. She loved to swim, read, garden and travel with her family. A passionate lover of music, she enjoyed dancing, especially Polkas, and cherished the memories she made with her loved ones. She was an avid fan of Notre Dame football and enjoyed traveling to games with family and friends.

Joan was a devoted wife to her husband of 64 years John R. “Skip” Witkowski and a loving mother to Laura Tomko (Jeff) and John R. Witkowski Jr (Laura – nee Sauer). Her legacy also includes her beloved grandchildren: Andrew Tomko and Austin Tomko (Peyton – nee Fitch), step grandchildren: Hope, Zayden & Alice, sister Norma Bach Liebfried (David) and sister-in-law Patricia Witkowski (nee Rebaric). She was preceded in death by her parents John & Stella Bach (nee Keller).

Joan’s family take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, reunited with those who have gone before her. Above all, Joan’s love for her family was her greatest joy and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

The family will receive friends Friday April 4, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 pm at the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway, Lorain. The Nativity Altar & Rosary Society will recite the rosary prayer on Saturday April 5, 2025 at 10:30 am in the church. Funeral services will be held Saturday April 5, 2025 at 10:30 am in the funeral chapel followed by the mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at Nativity BVM Catholic Church, 418 W 15th St, Lorain. The Rev. Gerald J. Keller, cousin of Joan, will preside. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Lorain.

Memorial contributions can be made to either Nativity BVM Catholic Church, 418 W 15th St, Lorain, OH 44052 or Rose Senior Living Center, 33200 Health Campus Blvd, Avon, OH 44011.

Online condolences can be made at www.gluvnashimohromada.com.