Joanne B. (Smith) Gurick

The world in which we live equally distributes talent. But, it doesn't equally distribute opportunity. Joanne B. Gurick (nee Smith) believed in this world and created opportunities for those that fill it. She was strong, smart, and resilient. A straight-up warrior who was tough as nails. The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. Joanne was incredibly dedicated to her community and a fierce advocate who took action for the rights of our children, our neighbors, and our animals. Nothing gives us more courage and hope to face life's uncertainties than remembering our moments of glory.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, allow me to sew love. Where there is doubt, faith, and where there is despair, hope. A time will come when my life will cease. That moment came during the middle of Saturday, November 12’ths autumn afternoon. There are times when we make history and there are times when history makes us. After 73 years, remember these things of me. Bury my body, but not my beliefs, bury my eyes but not my vision and but my feet but not my path.

Joanne was born in Norfolk, VA, and had been a longtime Gloucester neighbor. She had taken an active part in her community and volunteered her time sitting on the St. Mary’s School Board of Education, the Gloucester City School District Board of Education, and was a member of the Gloucester City Library Board of Trustees. She worked as a Confidential Aid supporting the Camden Board of County Commissioners. Joanne was an active parishioner of St. Mary’s Church and served her parish as a Eucharistic Minister. At home, Joanne opened her heart to many pets including the many strays. She enjoyed spending time in Florida and of course time with her family.

Joanne leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Tom Gurick. She was predeceased by her children, the late Kim Hagan and the late Gary Ellis, and is survived by her children Becky Snyder and Matthew Gurick. Joanne is the proud grandmother of 7, great-grandmother of 6, and the sister of Kathy Greene, Mark Montague, June Ann Zielenski, and the late Pauline Carney.

Relatives, friends, neighbors, and parishioners are invited to gather with the Gurick family. We’ll come together to take comfort in each other on Friday morning between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm at St. Mary’s Church 426 Monmouth St., Gloucester. We will celebrate an extraordinary life through faith in a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 pm.

As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center 125 County House Rd., Blackwood, NJ 08102 www.homewardboundnj.org or to The Needy Children’s Christmas Fund, P.O. Box 87, Gloucester City, NJ 08030.

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