Joan M. Kovalcik

Joan M. Kovalcik, 88, passed away May 16, 2022.

Born in Cleveland, Joan lived in the Tallmadge area for 57 years and was loved by all who knew her. She made everyone she encountered feel like family with her endless compassion, vivacious personality, and witty sense of humor. She retired in 2001 from Tallmadge City Schools. She lived to work for and with others in her community, whether she was teaching special education classes or working in juvenile court. Joan was a member of Our Lady of Victory Church Sponsi Club and supported her children's activities including numerous sports, Girl Scouts, and the Tallmadge Band Boosters. She loved to brag about her children and grandchildren to all who would listen. Joan was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, although she claimed to root for the Browns on occasion too. She enjoyed boating and spending time at Lake Erie with her family on their boat, Nellie. Her sense of humor was unmatched, and she had a love for God and family that knew no bounds.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Pauline Welling; brother, Andrew Welling.

Joan is survived by her husband, Lawrence; daughter, Paulette (Peter) Grant of Sandusky; sons, Lawrence (Stephanie) Kovalcik of Wellington and Paul (Renee) Kovalcik of Euclid; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Madeline, Abigail, David, Kaitlyn, Cara, Andrew, Elaina, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 4 until 7 p.m. Thursday, May 19, 2022 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave., (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Mass of Christian Burial 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 20, 2022 at Our Lady of Victory Church, 73 North Ave., Tallmadge with Rev. Michael Matusz officiating.

Interment at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in support of Catholic education may be made to Catholic Community Foundation, Attn: Madelyn Zone, 1404 East Ninth St., Cleveland, OH 44144 https:/www.catholiccommunity.org/ways-to-give/donate/catholic-charities or to the SCCS Education Foundation, 410 W. Jefferson St., Sandusky, OH 44870. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joan M. Kovalcik, please visit our floral store.