Joanna Ponjavic

GREENFIELD - Joanna Ponjavic was born to eternal life February 22, 2024 at the age of 65. She was preceded in death by her parents, Tadeusz and Hanna Zabek. Joanna is survived by her beloved husband of 43 years, Djurdje. She was a wonderful “mama” to Aci (Smiljka) and Vicky (Gene) Raskin, dear Babcia to Jovan & Dusan Ponjavic and Fiona & Jackson Raskin, and niece of Sofia Zuluaga. Further survived by relatives, kumovi, and friends both here, in Poland, Colombia, and Serbia.

Joanna was the light of everyone’s life. Her smile filled the room, and her positive attitude was contagious. Born in Warsaw, Poland, she came to the US in 1977 at the age of 18. She reigned as the “Queen of Travel” from 1979 until she retired in 2021. She traveled the world with her husband and kids, imparting her love of travel to all. She was a kind and devoted mother to her children and her grandchildren. God blessed her with her four beloved grandchildren, and she was their shining light. They loved and adored her, having count downs whenever she would come visit them. Words cannot describe the void that exists in the hearts and souls of those whose lives she touched. As one of her friends described, “I cannot imagine the world without Joanna.”

A special thanks to the team at Ascension Lake Drive for the care and love they showed Joanna. May she rest in peace.

Visitation will be held at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral 3201 South 51st Street in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Monday, February 26, 2024, from 9:30am until the time of service at 11am. Joanna will be interred at Good Hope Cemetery with a Daca (funeral luncheon) to follow at Old Town Serbian Gourmet Restaurant, 522 W. Lincoln Ave. Donations in Joanna’s honor can be made to St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral.