Joan Wieszczyk

Joan S. (Garbacz) Wieszczyk, age 91, of Erie, passed away on Saturday November 15, 2025, at home in Millcreek, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Erie on July 15, 1934, to the late Joseph and Broislawa (Cielikowski) Garbacz.

Joan graduated from St. Benedict Acadamy and was an active member of St. Julia Church. She was employed at Erie Resistor Corp. She also worked as a cashier at Tops and Brown Brothers IGA/Golden Dawn.

Joan played the accordion and was the leader of her band, Joanie and the Blue Seas. Her band played for many dances, clubs, and weddings. In addition, she enjoyed playing cards, working on jigsaw puzzles, cabin camping, and being with her grandchildren.

She was extremely devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Joan became a member of the Blue Army. Later in life, she went on many pilgrimages, especially to Medjugorje, and attended many Marian conferences around the US. She established “The Spirit of Medjugorje” newsletter and was its editor for many years.

In addition to her parents, Joan is preceded in death by an infant sister Isabelle Theresa Garbacz, sister Josephine Kolivoski, sister Louise Koenig, brothers Edward Garr and Francis Garr, sister Alice Hough, sister Bernadine Sharrer, brother Authur Garr, and sister Antoinette “Mona” Warus.

Joan is survived by her husband of 70 years, Valentine V. Wieszczyk, Jr., her children Rose Ann Gutting (John), Russell Wieszczyk (Deanne), Reine Wieszczyk, and Rachael Kibbe (Mark), eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Joan’s family would like to thank the team of professionals at Heartland Hospice and Interim Healthcare Hospice for all their support and help throughout the past few months. We would also like to thank our recent evening “angel”, Vicki, who gave us great direction and advice.

Relatives and friends are invited to Davis-Garr Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc. 459 East 12th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16503 on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 9:15 am for Prayer Service. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM at St. Julia Parish, 3750 West Lake Road, Erie, Pennsylvania 16505, Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please have Masses offered for her soul. You can contact St. Julia Parish or your local Catholic church to have a Mass said in her name. Online condolences may be sent to Davisgarrfuneralhome.com.

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