Joan Ellen Gordillo

Joan Ellen Gordillo obituary, Zeeland, MI

Joan Ellen Gordillo

Joan Gordillo Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 4, 2025.
Joan Ellen Gordillo (Garbrecht), born on June 20, 1950, in West Olive, Michigan, went home on March 31, 2025 to be with her heavenly father after battling pancreatic cancer for over 2 years. Joan was 74 years old.

Joan's life was a testament to unwavering faith and deep devotion to both God and family. Nothing was more important to her than living a life rooted in Christ's teachings. She shared the gospel with everyone she met, offering kindness and compassion that touched countless lives. Her spiritual strength remained steadfast until the very moment she went home to be with her Savior.

Joan was a devoted wife to Leonel Gordillo and a loving mother to their four children: Edwin (Cheryl) Gordillo, Ted (Ticiana) Gordillo, Marietta (Josh) Goetsch, and Mike (Heather) Gordillo. Her legacy continues through twelve cherished grandchildren who brought immense joy into her life.

She was also a beloved sister to Cal (Mary) Garbrecht and Sue (Henry) Espinoza. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Gertrude Garbrecht.

Throughout her life, Joan exemplified selflessness and care. She was a nurturing presence-a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend-who always put others before herself. Her warmth, love, kindness and faith in God left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know her.

May Joan Ellen Gordillo's memory bring comfort and peace to all who knew her and continue to inspire lives grounded in love and faith.

Celebration of Life - Open House

Saturday April 19, 2025

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m

First Baptist Church

246 W Main Ave

Zeeland, MI 49464

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Joan Gordillo's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 19, 2025

Ed and Shar Boerema posted to the memorial.

April 11, 2025

Stacie B. posted to the memorial.

April 6, 2025

Dona Schmidt posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Ed and Shar Boerema

April 19, 2025

We have often thought if and prayed for Joan, Leo and children, remembering a woman sold out for God! Praying for your family, and we plan to see you on the 19th!

Stacie B.

April 11, 2025

Dear Leo and family,
So sorry to hear of the Earthly loss of Joan. Yet I rejoice knowing she is in the arms of her loving Father and will spend eternity in Heaven.
I missed seeing her at the bank over the last year before I left. She was so wonderful and kind and such a blessing to so many people. Memories of her will live on and bring a smile to my face.
Leo, I am saddened that I will be out of town during the open house. I would have loved to come. I will be praying for you during this difficult time.
Stacie

Dona Schmidt

April 6, 2025

Dear Leo, and family, our prayers continue with you. At prayer today, we heard of your mom´s home going, Ed and Cheryl. When we didn´t see you we wondered. The Lord´s ultimate healing came. For Joan it is rejoicing!
Our prayers for you is Psalm 23, the Lord will Shepherd you, He will bring you rest, He will lead you, restore your soul, the enemy will not have any victory in Joan´s home-going and especially in the beautiful legacy she leaves. We pray safe travels, for God´s grace and peace. When the weddings come, and her presence will be keenly felt, may Holy Spirit bring great comfort. We are especially carrying on her prayer requests!

Though we just recently reconnected Joan was a great comfort to me, after Lisa´s home-going. She would text me verses, write words of encouragement, even while she was being attacked with cancer. That is who she is, loving, caring, joy filled women of God!
My love and prayers for you!

Susan Espinoza

April 4, 2025

I remember the happy times we had playing games, cards and even fishing. As kids we had so much fun playing badminton and croquet in the backyard.
Some of my fondest memories are of spending time together with our kids at mom and dad's and each other's homes

During the last 2 years we talked a lot about our families, our loving heavenly father, sharing Bible versus and discussing heaven. We laughed, we cried and we shared memories. I will miss you.
Your love for Jesus never wavered.
I rejoice knowing you are in heaven and have received eternal life and I will see you again.
Your loving sister Sue

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Sign Joan Gordillo's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 19, 2025

Ed and Shar Boerema posted to the memorial.

April 11, 2025

Stacie B. posted to the memorial.

April 6, 2025

Dona Schmidt posted to the memorial.