Joana, who born in the village of Būdai in Kėdainiai County, celebrated her 100th birthday in Garliava. Growing up with four sisters and two brothers, Joana's life was marked by challenges, particularly when her husband Mykolas was involved in partisan activities during and after World War II. While pregnant with their daughter Onutė, Joana was forcibly deported to Siberia, where she faced unbearable hardships, including working in mines and forests. Tragically, her husband lost his life in Siberia, further adding to her struggles during this time of adversity.