Joan E. Vila

Joan Elizabeth Fitzgerald Vila, age 91 of Toronto, Canada, beloved sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, went to be with the Lord, April 14, 2025 surrounded by her friends and family at her residence in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is preceded in death by her husband David in 2008, and grandson Samuel in 2017. She is survived by her three children, daughter Cathy (Randall Venema) of Grand Haven, son David (Susan) of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, and daughter Debbie of Barcelona, Spain; eight grandchildren, Andrew, Zachary, and Gabriel Stepanovich; Charlie, Henry, and Alice Vila; and Scott and Kimberly Martinez Vila. Joan will be missed by all.

Joan graduated from Gordon College in Massachusetts. Most of her life was devoted supporting her husband in the publishing and distribution of Christian literature throughout the Spanish speaking world. Joan was a long-time member of Third Reformed Church in Grand Rapids.

Joan had a special love for animals, especially the many cats, dogs, birds, fish, and bunnies that lived in her home over the years. She was an avid gardener, and always enjoyed spending time maintaining her gardens and yard.

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