Mrs. Joan "Joni" Bakke's Obituary
Mrs. Joan “Joni” Virginia Bakke, age 80, rose peacefully into the light Sunday, November 9, 2014 at her home. Joni, known to her childhood friends and family as Bodie, was born October 30, 1934 to Joseph and Helen Mae (Ostling) Goryl in Muskegon. She was the owner of Angel Reflections Gift Shop and The Center of Light, a holistic healing center. Joan was a very gifted woman with many talents who took the job of helping others to heart. She was involved in the Healing Touch Program in conjunction with Hackley Hospital; attended Unity Church, and in trying to create a better world was a much loved member of Occupy Muskegon and volunteered at the The James Jackson Museum of African American History. She leaves to cherish her spirit, her daughter, Shanti Devi; her brother, William Joseph (Donna) Goryl; sister, Shirlee Mae (John) Glozer); her lifelong friend and soul sister, Janet Bergren, as well as 7 nieces and nephews. Taken from Joan in their early childhood, she loved and yearned to know her sons, Nicholas (Iris) Elko, Terry Elko and Christopher (Julie) Elko; and their 5 children; and 2 grandchildren. Shanti invites everyone whose life was touched by her Beloved Mother to join her for A CELEBRATION OF JONI’S LIFE, which will be held at 6:00pm Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at Unity Church, 2052 Bourdon St. with Rev. Diane Stark officiating. There will be refreshments following in Fellowship Hall, downstairs. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Shanti Devi or The James Jackson Museum of African American History. 7 East Center St. Muskegon, MI 49444 Arrangements by The Lee Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 6291 S. Harvey St., 231 798-1100.
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