Joan Czapla (Gucwa) of Niles, IL, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2024, surrounded by her loving family and Nina and Zina who took wonderful care of her.  Born on March 31, 1940, in Chicago to Joseph and Stephanie (Podraza) Gucwa.  She touched the lives of many throughout her remarkable journey.

Joan and Henry met in 1957 and married Henry in 1973, and for over 50 years of marriage  together, they built a life filled with love, happiness, friends and joy. While obtaining her Bachelor's degree at DePaul University, she worked as a dedicated Secretary for the Dean of Students and continued on after graduation for 20+ years where she formed lasting friendships that she cherished deeply until the day of her passing. After leaving her career, she devoted herself to raising her children, John (Vickie) and Ann (Adam) Crane, instilling in them long lasting traditions and values of kindness and resilience.

As a grandmother, Joan was a source of endless love and inspiration to her four grandchildren: Mackenzie, Jack, Henry, and Charles. She embraced her role as a family matriarch, nurturing close bonds with her sister (Connie), brother (Bob), sister and brother-in-laws, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom adored her. Her passion for cooking and her open door policy always led to good times and ended with singing a song, will not be forgotten by all those who knew her.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents (Stephanie and Joe Gucwa), and her in-laws (Bernice and Blaze Czapla), her brother (Bob Gucwa), and many others that we know welcomed her including her loving dog Maggie.

Her legacy of love and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her and we know many have lost a best friend.

Visitation will be held at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home 7812 N. Milwaukee Ave Niles on
Friday, 9/27 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM.
Visitation continuing  Saturday 9/28 from 10:15 am until Prayers at 11:15 am then proceeding
to St. John Brebeuf Church 8307 N. Harlen Ave. Niles for a funeral Mass at 12:00 Noon

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Joan's honor to Mercy Home for Boys & Girls or Ann & Robert Lurie Children's Hospital. Additional Funeral Info 847-966-7302 or www.skajafuneralhomes.com