Joan (Japa) Vujovich

Joan was born January 20, 1929 in South Bend, Indiana to George and Borka Japa, from the former Yugoslavia. She was the oldest of three children, brother, John of South Bend and sister, Darlene Heithaus of Chesterfield, Mo.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen (Steve); daughter, Patricia (Patty); as well as her parents.

Joan graduated from Riley High School, So. Bend, Ind. Her love of music played a major role from high school glee club, studying Opera in Chicago and singing in choir at Saints Peter and Paul Serbian Church.

She married Steve Vujovich of South St. Paul, Minnesota on October 11, 1953. Joan and Steve had three daughters: Denise, Patricia (Patty) and Jeanne (Gigi). Joan and Steve had many moves across the country for Steve’s job, taking them to NJ, Missouri, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota, meeting many good friends, before settling in Charlotte over 40 years ago. Joan worked side by side with Steve as he started his first business in NC. True to behind every great man is a great woman.

Joan’s electric personality made her loved by all from the workers in the food court to CEO’s. Everyone loved Joan and she never met a stranger. Her last days were surrounded by many loved ones that wanted to share their love.

Joan is survived by her daughters, Denise (Bill Crawford) of Deer Park Illinois, Jeanne “Gigi” (David Stanton), and two loving grandchildren, Stephen and Rachel Stanton, all of Charlotte.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Joan Japa Vujovich scholarship fund, through the community foundation of St. Joseph County. (500 Michigan St., South Bend, Indiana 46601) https://cfsjc.org/for-donors/give-now/

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcewenpinevillecchapel.com.