KOSTECKI, JOAN C. of Waterford, passed away surrounded by her loving family on October 3, 2026, at 83 years of age. Loving wife of Anthony “Tony” Kostecki for 64 wonderful years; cherished mother of John Kostecki (the late Patty), Jim (Juanita) Kostecki, and Andrew Kostecki (Paulette, former spouse); proud grandmother of Toni, Polo, Paulina, Noah, Claire, Jordan, and Robert. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Stanley and Josephine (née Lukasiewicz) Guzenda, and her sisters, Veronica Adamski and Suzanne Guzenda-Fowkes.

Joan was born in Wyandotte, Michigan, and graduated from Our Lady of Mount Carmel High School. Little did Joan know that a simple walk home from church one day, when Tony decided to follow her home, would be the beginning of a lifetime of love together. What began as a young romance grew into 64 years of marriage, a remarkable family, and a life filled with love, laughter, and countless shared accomplishments… with family treasured the most.

Together, Joan and Tony built a meaningful life filled with family, faith, hard work, and love. Alongside raising their family and remaining devoted to the Catholic Church, they built a successful family business, owning and operating several McDonald’s restaurants in the Royal Oak area. Their success reflected years of teamwork and dedication. Joan was an important part of that journey and the legacy she helped build reaches far beyond the business—it lives on in the family she loved and the generations that will carry her spirit and memory forward.

Joan was much more than devoted wife, mother, grandmother and aunt; she was vivacious, generous, and blessed with a wonderful sense of humor. She had a way of making people feel welcome and a personality that could brighten the room. Joan enjoyed good company, good conversation, and good food— while she was certainly a capable cook, she was equally happy letting someone else do the cooking!

Joan loved dining out and had a special talent for becoming a familiar face wherever she went. She wasn't simply a customer; she was part of the atmosphere, and everyone knew her name. For Joan, a meal out was about much more than the food. It was an opportunity to socialize, catch up with friends and family, share a laugh, and enjoy the pleasure of being around people.

And then there was Disney. Joan was, without question, the princess of all things Disney. Every trip to Disney World brought her joy, she embraced the magic with enthusiasm, and it always included her family. While some people might outgrow fairy tales and happily-ever-afters, Joan clearly knew better. She understood that there is something wonderful about allowing yourself to enjoy the magic, no matter your age, and is now rooted within her family.

When she wasn't planning a trip to Disney, Joan enjoyed reading, traveling, and entertaining family and friends. She appreciated the pleasures of bringing people together and making memories with those she loved. One of her favorite ways to unwind was sitting on her deck, watching the sun set and enjoying a peaceful moment at the end of the day. After a lifetime of building a family and business, those quiet moments were a special reminder of how much there was to appreciate and blessing the family received.

Of course, Joan had her preferences—and a few subjects she was perfectly happy to avoid; cars, politics, and football.

Above all, Joan treasured her family. Her 64-year marriage to Tony was a remarkable love story. Their children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews were an enduring source of love and pride, and the family business they built together stands as a lasting testament to their partnership.

Joan leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, laughter, hard work, and the importance of enjoying life along the way. She will be remembered for her lively personality, her wonderful sense of humor, her Disney enthusiasm, her favorite restaurants, her famous nutrolls, and the warmth she brought to the people around her (including her hugs).

She will be missed dearly, but the memories she created will continue to bring smiles forever. Somewhere in those memories, we can picture Joan enjoying a wonderful meal with friends and family, on a Disney adventure with Mickey and Minnie at Old Key West or sitting on her deck watching another beautiful sunset—grateful for a life well lived and a family well loved.

A memorial mass will be held Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 10 AM at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church. Family will receive friends Saturday 9:30 AM at church until time of mass. Celebration luncheon following service at Buck Shots Bar & Grill, 7048 Gateway Park Dr., Clarkston.

Arrangements entrusted to COATS FUNERAL HOME-WATERFORD. To post a tribute, visit www.CoatsFuneralHome.com.