Joanne B. (Janka) Golias

Joanne B. Golias, age 87, of Kelleys Island, died Tuesday night, March 31, 2020, at the Sunset House, Toledo. 

To her children, Joanne was mom, mommy, momma, "jeezus christ mom", and Joaner... to her grandchildren, she was grandma and nana-boat, the latter for when they took the ferry boat to visit nana at her home on Kelleys Island. To her late husband Robert, she was Joanne and sometimes "god-damnit it Joanne"... she could be feisty! To her doctors, she was a very special patient, to her nurses and aids, Joanne was always their favorite.  Her devoted aid and "adopted grandson" Sam Jordan said she was the closest thing he knew to a saint on earth; we are forever grateful to his love and excellent care for our mom over the years at Sunset House.

A 1949 graduate of John Adams High School, she married Robert D. Golias in 1955, and worked as an Executive Secretary for Republic Steel, became a Medical Transcriptionist at Marymount Hospital, and retired with Robert to Kelleys Island, working as an assistant to the clerk for the Village.  Many Islanders will remember her driving her jeep, and food prepping tartar sauce at The Village Pump.  When we got to the K.I. house, she greeted us with a full buffet spread of food saying, "I just made a few things"!  Joanne could light up a room with her smile, her quick wit and her uncanny ability to make friends everywhere she went.

Daughter of the late Joseph and Helen Janka, sister of the late Lenny Janka,she is survived by sister Fay Roman, sons Bob (Julie), David (Sharon) and daughters Diane, and Carol (Patrick) Conlan.  Beloved grandmother of Emily, Sarah, Lizy, Neil, Piper, Cooper, Parker, Tate and Sam, and numerous nieces and nephews.  Joanne planned everything, so she requested no wake, but instead, a gathering of loved ones and friends with mass on Kelleys Island. We will schedule a proper celebration of Joanne's life when social distancing is a thing of the past... hugs will be required.  We will miss her forever! 

Ransom Funeral & Cremation Service, Castalia, is in charge of the arrangements.  Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.ransomfuneralhome.com

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