Joyce J. Giovanoni, 75, Wausau passed away at her home, Monday, January 9, 2017 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born November 29, 1941 in Virginia, Minnesota, daughter of the late S. Henry and Ellen Johnson. On June 22, 1963 she married Joe Giovanoni in Hurley. He survives.
Joyce received a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics from Stout where she met the love of her life, (Mike Spoone, with an E aka Joe). Joyce was a home economics teacher in Freedom, Kimberly and Hurley. She also was able to teach sewing at Fox Valley Technical College and NTC. She was a member of the Wausau Area Home Economics club. Prior to her retirement she also worked in the office at Ethan Allen. Joyce did not sew to live, she lived to sew. It's a passion she shared with all that wanted to learn, even if it was how to use a sewing machine. Joyce enjoyed spending weekends on the pontoon on Lake Wausau with many of her friends who had gathered up the Rib River. They all looked forward to seeing their Joycie.
Joyce's heart was her family, she was the heartbeat of our family. Survivors include her beloved husband of 54 years, Joe Giovanoni, Wausau, her children that were everything to her, Gina Giovanoni, Schofield and Michael Giovanoni, Wausau, her three grandchildren which she adored, Christopher Brummel, Anthony and Ryan Giovanoni and one brother, Richard Johnson, Tower, Minnesota and nieces, Kimberly, Jill, Jaclyn and nephews, Tony, Peter, Paul, Rich, Jim, Tom and Dan. Family was everything to Joyce.
Besides her parents she was preceded in death by a sister, Lois Peterson.
Joyce was a kind, caring woman who never spoke ill of anyone. She will be remembered for her willingness to always help when it came to social gatherings with her many lifelong Stout friends who met twice a year either on travel or get togethers for many years and gathering with her area friends for one of their many cookouts and card games. Her smile and her infectious laugh is what will never be forgotten. She truly was a light in this world.
A Memorial Mass will be held at Noon, Saturday, January 14, 2017 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. The Rev. Robert Thorn will preside. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
In lieu of flowers memorial may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association; Greater Wisconsin Chapter, Special Olympics of Wausau and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services to support the needs of home hospice patients at: Aspirus Health Foundation, 425 Pine Ridge Boulevard, Wausau, WI 54401.
The family also wishes to extend a special thank you to the Caregiving Team of Aspirus Hospice Home Care, you guys are angels on this earth, Jean & Larry Korpela for your respite care for Thursday morning coffee with the guys, The Fowle Family for being there for support for our dad and mother and also the Caregivers Support Group which helped to relieve the caregivers stress and anxiety and preparation of what was about to come. "Without you all we would not have been able to fulfill Joyce's wishes of staying home." Although we did not win the battle with Alzheimer's disease, her journey is complete and she has earned her wings.
Visitation
St. Matthew Catholic Church
221 North 28th Ave.
Wausau, WI 54401
Saturday, January 14, 2017
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Service
St. Matthew Catholic Church
229 South 28th Avenue
Wausau, WI 54401
Saturday, January 14, 2017
12:00 PM