Joan Theresa Forgach

Joan Theresa Dina was born and raised on the "Slovak" block in Detroit, MI on October 2, 1940. There she lived with her mother Elizabeth and father John, and three older sisters Anne, Betty and Eleanor. She met her husband Matt, also 100% Slovak, in first grade at St. Cyrl Catholic school where they remained childhood sweethearts through the end of high school. Upon graduation, Joan got a job at Edison in downtown Detroit and traveled with girlfriends throughout the U.S. and Europe, calling it "the start of her 10yrs".
Joan and Matt reunited after a decade apart, marrying in 1968, and moved to Southfield, MI, followed by Beverly Hills, MI. They had four kids, Jennifer, Greg, Sarah, and Leslie, as well as many furry and feathered loves throughout the years. Joan stayed home to raise the kids, but had many passions, including travel, gardening, yoga, tennis, golf, tai chi, cooking, flower pressing, crocheting, calligraphy-- she was bursting with creativity and always looking for a new outlet. She was part of a "card club" for years, and loved the time with her girlfriends. She always took a great interest in her kids interests-- from Shakespeare, to interior design, tennis and Japanese-- she was a best friend to her kids and was truly invested in their happiness. Her and Matt traveled the world, including to Asia, Europe, South America, the Caribbean-- she loved learning about different cultures and meeting new people. She instilled that love of travel and curiosity in her four children.
Joan had two significant milestones outside of her family life. First, she went to college at OCC and took classes ranging from world religions to Shakespeare to art history. Second, she created the venture "Mighty Muffs," a healthfood muffin she sold through a local gym, and got published in the newspaper. She took great pride in both accomplishments and her family supported her courage and drive for pursuing both.
Joan was a second mother to all-- she kept her door open and made everyone she met feel like they were one of her own. She truly found joy in a lively home with lots of love and laughter (and dancing!) She was happiest when the people around her were carefree and having a good time.
Joan had three grandkids-- Dylan (17), son to Jennifer and Dan, and Reese and Landon (6) twins to Leslie and Andy. Dylan spent most of his youth with Nana, so that Jennifer could work. They were best friends, and Joan had a great sense of humor when it came to drawing superheros or letting Dylan direct her. Reese and Landon had an uncanny ability to make their Nana laugh- they lived to entertain her through dancing and singing, and loved when she visited them in Chicago.
Joan lived a full life before passing at the age of 84. She had an unshakeable faith in God. Her family takes comfort knowing that Joan is reunited with Matt, who passed three years prior, as well as her sisters and parents.
Joan Theresa Forgach passed away January 19, 2025, at age 84, surrounded by family in her home.
Loving mother to Jennifer (Dan), Greg, Sarah, Leslie (Andy) and grandmother to Dylan, Reese and Landon.Beloved wife to the late Matt.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 2-8 PM at A.J. Desmond & Sons- Vasu, Rodgers and Connell Chapel, 32515 Woodward Ave, Royal Oak (btwn 13 – 14 Mile Rd), 248-549-0500. Funeral Mass will be held on January 23, 2025 at 10AM the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, 2100 W. 12 Mile Rd. Royal Oak, MI, 48073. Visitation at church begins at 9:30 AM.
Memorial Tributes to the Humane Society of the United States.
"The world is thy ship, not thy home"-- St Therese of Liseuxe
~Lovingly written by the family