Joanne K. Anderson Magdziak

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Joanne K. Anderson Magdziak, 86, a longtime resident of Ironwood, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, unexpectedly in her home.

Joanne was born in Ironwood, on Nov. 7, 1936, to Carl E. Anderson and Lily Iris (Paull) Anderson. Joanne graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1954. Following graduation she went to Detroit where she was employed as a typist by General Motors Corp. She returned to Ironwood in December 1955 and began working at the Ironwood Daily Globe as a teletype setter and proofreader in January 1956. On Nov. 23, 1957 she married Paul "Pauly," the love of her life. She became a stay at home mom to her children Scott and Paula.

To her children, she was mom. She and dad took them on traveling and camping adventures. She taught life lessons and was there through the ups and downs in life, always willing to lend a hand. To the grandchildren, she was Mama. She was their biggest fan. She would sit on the sidelines of their events watching and cheering. To her great-grandchildren, she was G.G. She discovered the joy of storing photos of all the great-grandkids on her cell phone and would spend hours scrolling and looking at pictures of them smiling the whole time.

She had several wonderful friends that she enjoyed having coffee with. One of her best friends was Dona Martinson. Joanne and Dona would frequently go for coffee at Rigoni's Bakery and sit for hours. Joanne's daughter and son-in-law (also son to Dona) lovingly nicknamed them "Thelma and Louise" - two women on the loose causing who knew what kind of trouble.

Somehow through the passage of time, life takes a turn and the caregiver switched from mother to child. It's odd how roles reverse. When I think of my mom, I think of the book "Love You Forever." So mom, for you I will say, "I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living my Mommy you'll be."

Besides her parents, Joanne, was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Paul "Pauly" Magdziak. She is survived by her two children, Scott Magdziak and Paula (Dave) Martinson; four grandchildren, Adam Magdziak, Alisha Salli (Kevin Riddell), Trevor Beaudette, and Mariah (Jamin) Partanen; and four great-grandchildren, Addison, Ryan, Charlotte and Lucille.

Out of respect for Joanne's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, has been assisting the family with the arrangements.