Marice M. Guedea (nee Mendoza)

 Marice M. Guedea (nee Mendoza), 93, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2024, with her daughter, Dawn, and her granddaughter, Kirsten holding her hands.

Born on November 29, 1930, she was a lifelong resident of Joliet. Marice enjoyed fellowship and was active in her parents’ Assemblies of God Mission in Joliet in her youth. She also shared fellowship for many years at Ridgewood Baptist Church where she was a leader in Pioneer Girls and AWANAs. She belonged to the Red Hatters for years and relished the attention the group generated when they went out on the town. She was also an active member, for many years, of the International Federation of Business and Professional Woman, Joliet chapter, and the Adelitas Social Club.

After graduating from the Joliet Township High School and the Joliet Business College, Marice worked at the Joliet Ammunition Plant as a secretary. She continued her career as the office manager for Lora Svaniga Court Reporters, and finally, she retired from the Joliet Public Schools, District 86, working at JFK with Steve Moore.

Marice is proceeded in death by her loving parents, Simone and Daniel Mendoza and Mauricia and Crispin Mendoza, her loving husband of 53 years, Rodolfo Guedea, and her sweet, funny, and brilliant grandson Kurt Hallin (forever 26).

She is survived by her children: Dolores (Edward Jr.) Stofko, Yolanda Sue Guedea (Jerry Parsons), Ana Maria Guedea (Henry Negoda), and Dawn (Joseph) Tichy, as well as grandchildren Jeremy D. Stofko (Cathleen Anderson), Michael R. Stofko (Elizabeth M. Smith), Justin Stofko, Karl N. Hallin (Shanna), Kirsten A. Gunter (Ben), and Andrew H Negoda, and great grandchildren Evelyn and Isaac Hallin, and Keegan and Adelyn Stofko.

Marice loved growing plants, doing crosswords, playing Chinese checkers and other games, and watching true crime shows. She had many pets throughout her life, but her longest lived fur babies were Tessie and Heidi Lynn.

Marice had music in her soul and played incredible gospel piano and had a grand organ in her house that she played at family gatherings. She could spin quite a yarn, enjoyed a hearty laugh, and most of all loved being around her friends and family.

She was so loved and will be missed far more than words can ever tell.

A Celebration of Life visitation will be held at Tezak’s Home, 1211 Plainfield Rd. Joliet, IL on Saturday October 26, 2024, from 12:00 pm until 3:00 pm, cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation.