It is with deep sadness and very heavy hearts that we announce that Joan "Joanie" Meece, of Hobart, Indiana passed away on to her heavenly eternal home on March 17, 2025. Joan was a young 67 years old. She was surrounded by her children, and several grandchildren, during her peaceful transition. Joanie was born in Hammond, Indiana. She was the daughter of Joseph and Mary "Pat" Ladowicz. After the young death of her parents, Joanie was also very blessed to be welcomed to the family of her Aunt Albany and Uncle Val Zawada, whom Joanie lovingly called Mom and Dad.

Joanie, is preceded in death by her loving husband, Jerry L. Meece, Sr., and grandson, Kyle Stewart. Joanie is survived by her five beautiful, loving children: Joy, Jerry Jr., Jenette, Jami, and Joe (late Ashley). Also survived by precious grandchildren (direct and extended family): Timothy, Nathan (Kyra), Jada, Kayla, Jenell, Martel, Lilyonna, Camden, Gracelyn, Zaniya, Marquisha, Zenaida, Zariyah, and Monzell Jr. And cherished great-grandchildren (direct and extended family): Nathan Jr., A'Monte, Ny'Meir, Dahlila Marie, and Da'sani. Joanie's family includes brothers and sisters: Dave (Judie) Zawada; Dan (late Linda) Zawada; Diane (Fred) Price and Debbie (Joe) Woloch. Also the late Fr. Jerry Zawada, and Valerie (Tony) Lenzo. She had many very loving cousins, nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces and special friends.

We extend a sincere thank you to all the family who continued to help Joanie with special gifts through the years. These special gifts also allowed Joanie to help her family. Joanie attended St. John Bosco grade school and Bishop Noll High School in Hammond. While raising her 5 children, and caring for her disabled husband, Joanie even went on to gain her Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Certification. She worked helping the elderly at nursing home facilities and also served as a caregiver for family members. With pride and diligence, Joanie helped others by cleaning their homes very thoroughly and meticulously. Joanie always kept a clean and organized home. The biggest attribute of Joanie was that she was so selfless. It was always very evident that Joanie sincerely appreciated what others did to help her and her family. She was always kind, gentle and sweet to be around. She always wanted to help family, and others, and never spent money on herself. Joanie was the happiest when she knew she'd done all that she could and that her family was safe and happy. Family meant "everything" to her. Joanie liked to go to Bingo with Jami and a few special friends. Through the years, she also liked to go fishing with her family. When she was able, she enjoyed doing yardwork, painting, and keeping busy. Along with her family, Joanie loved and cared for many pets over the years. She especially loved her furry friend buddy, Bob Barker.

A Memorial Visitation and Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 2 PM to 4 PM at Rees Funeral Home Chapel located at 600 W Old Ridge Road, Hobart, Indiana. In Joanie's memory, please pass forward selfless acts of kindness and compassion as Joanie did every day of her life. Let's show kindness to strangers. Give people the benefit of the doubt. And let's all remember to tell people how much we love them.