WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Joan Frances Gouza, 88, of Sunset Manor Apartments in Wakefield, formerly a resident of Fairview Apartments in Bessemer, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, at Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, Minnesota.

Joan was born on March 2, 1936, in Wakefield, a daughter of Jacob and Frances K. (Staszek) Gouza. She attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1954.

Joan was employed in the accounting department at Divine Infant Hospital in Wakefield from 1955 until its closure. Then, she worked for Drs. J.R. and Jim Franck in Wakefield, and LaCroix Hospital in White Pine doing office work and bookkeeping. Joan lovingly cared for her mother from 1984 until her passing in 1991. She concluded her 12-year working career at the Gogebic County Federal Credit Union starting in 1992, and retiring in 2004.

Joan was a devout Catholic. She was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and a supporting member of the Women's Guild.

Joan enjoyed making Christmas decorations, knitting, sewing and embroidering. She loved all the family pets and looked forward to taking walks with her dog, Rusty, years ago in Wakefield, and her miniature Dachshund, Buddy, who was her best pal, when she resided in Bessemer.

Joan is survived by a brother, Thomas (Nancy) Gouza, Wausau, Wisconsin; and numerous nieces and nephews, including special niece, Nancy (Robert) Linn, great-nieces and great-nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Agnes Gouza, in infancy and Marion and Zigmund "Chippy" Skolasinski; her brother and sister-in-law, Ted and Elaine Gouza; and two nephews, Daniel Gouza and Mathew Skolasinski.

According to Joan's wishes, cremation will take place.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 407 Ascherman St., in Wakefield, with the Rev. Dominic Agyapong, celebrant. Also, in attendance will be the Immaculate Conception Women's Guild Honor Guard.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place at the Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield.

A luncheon will be served at the parish hall immediately upon return from the cemetery.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.