Joan BANACKI

16 JUN 1952 - 1 MAY 2021

• BIRTH: 16 JUN 1952, South Bend, IN
• DEATH: 1 MAY 2021, Mishawaka, IN

INDEX

[N28519] Joan K. Calvin
Jun. 16, 1952 - May. 01, 2021

MISHAWAKA - Joan K. Calvin, 68, of W. Catalpa Dr. in Mishawaka, IN passed away peacefully at home, at 11:35 pm on Saturday, May 1, 2021, following a brief but tough fight with Cryptococcal Meningitis. Joan was born on June 16, 1952 in South Bend, IN to Leo and Rita Banacki, both preceding her in death. She was a lifelong area resident. Joan was a retired Special Education Teacher, having spent her career at Woodview Elementary School in Nappanee, IN. She was an active member of St. Monica's Catholic Church in Mishawaka, and a member of the St. Joseph County chapter of NAMI. On August 7, 1971, Joan married the love of her life, Robert D. Calvin, who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death was her son, Benjamin Calvin, just 10 months ago. She is survived by her other two sons, Josh (Susie) Calvin, of Buckeye, AZ and Jon (Amy) Calvin, of Mishawaka, IN; her beloved granddaughters, Cami Calvin of Mishawaka, IN, and Emily & Charlotte Calvin of Buckeye, AZ; her brother Jerry (Lynn) Banacki of Stevensville, MI, her sisters, Janice Lappin of Mishawaka, IN, Monica (Jose) DeLeon, of Mishawaka, IN and Denise Pellow-Douglas of Indianapolis, IN. She also leaves behind her faithful canine companions known as “The Puggle Brothers,” Max & Hunter. Joan had many nieces, nephews and other family members who survive and will miss her dearly. Born with a green thumb, Joan's love of gardening was evident simply by driving past her house, as she always had the most beautiful flowers in the neighborhood! She spent hours at a time in her vegetable garden, selling her veggies from her porch to her faithful customers every summer! Joan will forever be remembered for her heart of gold, as she always made sure everyone in her life was taken care of. She put God first and herself last in everything she did. She was truly one of a kind, a force to be reckoned with, and had a smile, laugh and personality that filled every room she entered. She left a mark on the hearts of everyone she met, and she will never be forgotten. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, May 6th at 11:30 a.m. at St. Monica Catholic Church, 222 West Mishawaka Ave, Mishawaka with two hours of visitation to start at 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Father Jacob Meyer will officiate the services. Burial will take place at Highland Cemetery in South Bend, immediately following services. Memorial contributions can be made to either Oaklawn Psychiatric Center in South Bend, or to St. Monica Catholic Church, as Joan had a special place in her heart for both. Palmer Funeral Homes - Bubb Chapel is handling the arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. Published in South Bend Tribune on May 5, 2021.