Joan (Gadomski) Huguenard

April 30, 1931 - July 30, 2012

SOUTH BEND - Joan passed with her family by her side after a short battle with pancreatic cancer in Palo Alto, CA. She was born in South Bend, IN, to Peter and Clementine Gadomski, who preceded her in death.

Joan is survived by a brother, Bob (Diane) Gadomski of Indianapolis, IN, and 2 sisters, Ruth (John) Heyveart of Colorado and Fran Hill of Los Angeles, California. Also surviving are 8 children, Catherine (Larry) Behan of San Diego, CA, James (Diane) Huguenard of Louisville, Kentucky, John (Carol) Huguenard of Palo Alto, CA, Thomas Huguenard of Tulsa, OK, Robert (Brigid) Huguenard of North Liberty, IN, Frank Huguenard of Boone, NC, Charles (Rocio) Huguenard of South Bend, IN, and Andy (Susan) Huguenard of Orlando, Florida. Joan also is survived by 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Joan led an amazing life. From humble beginnings as an average American housewife and mother to a world traveler and ambassador of peace. Joan was passionate about supporting people who have no voice. After raising 8 children and realizing the nest was empty, Joan returned to Marquette University and proudly graduated with a degree in Theology. She went on to teach English in China, work as a chaplain at a YMCA camp in upstate New York, serve as an international peace worker, be an independent observer during a national election in Haiti, write a popular weekly column for the Sonoma Sun, and authored two books.

Joan had such a profound and positive impact on people, she will be remembered for many years to come. As busy as her life was with all of her adventures, she was sure to travel around the country once, sometimes twice a year, to visit her children and grandchildren. Full of life and energy to the very end, she was an inspiration to all who visited her. She shocked the Hospice staff with this very Joan-like quote, "For the last 5 years or so, I have been eager to have a hospice experience. My only disappointment is that it will be so short."

Donations may be made in her name to the Hospice of your choice. A Mass at Little Flower Church in Joan's honor will take place on Oct. 14th at 9:30 am, followed by a memorial celebration of Joan's life at 20155 Jewell Ave., South Bend, IN. To all who knew Joan and would like to celebrate her life with us, please stop by from 11 am to 4 pm.

Source: FindAGrave.com

03/02/2026 EJS

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/193746894/joan-huguenard