Joan Marie Jagusch passed away on September 10th, 2023 at the age of 73. Joan was born and raised in Chicago, IL. She graduated from an all-girls Catholic High School, St Patrick in Des Plaines, IL. She then took a different route from her peers that pursued the career paths at the time, as teachers or nurses and worked as an Executive Secretary for many years. Joan then became a Paralegal for Mills Shirley in Texas from 1998 until she retired in 2018. She loved to work and was always the first person in the office and the last to leave.
She was never one to sit around. Along with her busy work schedule, she enjoyed sewing, reading, knitting, walking, and going to farmers markets. Joan held many talents, one of which was wedding planning. She helped many brides with their weddings. She loved to sew veils, dresses, and was skillful in beadwork and jewelry making.
It was known to everyone her deep love for history, the color red, Paris, snow in the winter, and anything chocolate. Some of her favorite traditions and beloved memories were visiting her long friend Diane every Christmas for an annual bake-off, crafts, and high tea.
Joan is missed dearly by her son, Paul Gruetzmacher. He was her everything, and she couldn’t be more proud of his accomplishments. Joan is also deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, and friends she called family.
It is comforting to know she is reunited with her mother, father, and older brother, Jimmy, whom she adored so much and always shared many happy stories growing up as a child with them all. She is pacing around Heaven smiling down at us all.