Joanna Marie Wilczynski

Joanna (Joann) Marie Wilczynski of Traverse City, Michigan, age 91, went to her eternal rest on September 30, 2023 at Bay Ridge Assisted Living Center. Joann was born on August 27, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Victor and Frances (Kucharski) Woloszyk. She graduated from St. Stanislaus High School in 1950 and then worked as a telephone operator at Michigan Bell in Detroit. She met the love of her life, Walter “Wally” Wilczynski on a blind date to a New Year’s Eve party at the home of a mutual friend during her senior year of high school. They were married on June 9, 1951 at the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Detroit, followed by a honeymoon in Niagara Falls, the honeymoon capital of North America at that time. They enjoyed nearly 70 years of marriage until Wally’s sudden passing in 2021. Joann devoted her life to being a homemaker and supported Wally in his business, in the Poletown area of Detroit, called Van Dyke Meat Company; sometimes stepping in to cover staff shortages and working behind the counter. In 2003, Joann and Wally decided to make Traverse City their new home and built their dream house in the Stoneridge subdivision. They enjoyed daytrips throughout northern Michigan, taking in all the beauty around their “up-north” home. Joann was an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion for many years. She was passionate about making her home a beautiful, warm, and welcoming place. She enjoyed cooking and baking with Wally and enjoying their retirement time together. She will always be remembered for her commitment to her Faith and family and for being proud of her Polish heritage. She demonstrated a deep love for her family and enjoyed sharing all the life adventures of her children and grandchildren with friends. Joann is survived by her children, Michael (Janelle) Wilczynski, Kathleen (Kent) Peterson, and Brian (Maureen) Wilczynski; grandchildren Matthew (Joanna), Andrew (Sarah), Elyse (Eastman), Zachary (Cailin), Emily (Taylor), Marcie, Neil (Hali); step-grandchildren, Kelly (Scott) and Elizabeth; great grandchildren Martin, Winter, Louisa, Arna, Piper, and; step-great grandchildren Colter and Lyla; numerous nieces, nephews, St. Patrick Parish friends, and other beloved members of the family. She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband Wally; and brother Raymond Woloszyk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated by Fr. Joe Muszkiewicz and Deacon Rene Hoenscheid at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 6, 2023, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 630 S. West Silver Lake Road, Traverse City, Michigan, 49685. There will be a time of visitation one hour prior to Mass. Immediately following, you are cordially invited by the family to join them for a time of fellowship, food, and refreshments at the church. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to offer an expression of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Hwy, Suite 3325, Traverse City, MI 49684; or online at: https://www.hom.org/donate/

Joanna Marie Wilczynski

August 27, 1932 - September 30, 2023