Joan M. Gutierrez (Bandemer) age 61, of Hammond, IN, passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at home with her loving husband at her side.

Joan is survived by her husband, Anthony "Tony G." L. Gutierrez; children: Joseph Gutierrez and Ashley (Shaq) Gibson; grandchildren: Mia Fasula, Ella Fasula, Zoey Gutierrez, Joshua Robinson, Melody Robinson and Lincoln Gibson; loving sister of 8; fond aunt of many nieces and nephews; dear friend of Diane "Sunshine" Terry; and her cats: Roxy and Baby Girl.  Joan was preceded in passing by her parents: Richard and Margaret Bandemer; and her in-laws, Emanuel and Mary Gutierrez.

Joan grew up in Bridgeport and graduated from St. Mary of Perpetual Help High School while she was also working as a cashier at Jewel.  She was the Sox biggest fan.  The summer of '79 is when she met the love of her life, even though Tony was a Cubs fan!  Together they raised their children: Joey and Ashley and the family grew another 6 grandchildren.  She was most proud of her earned titles of Wife, Mother and Grandmother.  Besides raising her cats, her favorite "hobby" was taking care of Tony and any and everything else that needed to be taken care of.

At the request of the family, Memorials may be made in Joans name with the Humane Society in Munster, Indiana.