Joan Gorny

Joan A. (Grunwald) Gorny, a beloved family matriarch, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2024, at the age of 90 in Virginia Beach, VA. Born on May 11, 1934 in Newark, Joan resided in Edison, Jackson and Warren, NJ before moving to Virginia Beach with her son and daughter in law 5 years ago. Joan led a life marked by dedication to her family.

Joan was a loving wife to the late Henry T. Gorny and a caring mother, survived by her son Mark Gorny and his wife Cindy. She was a cherished grandmother to Samantha and Miller Gorny, and Gabriel Biarsky. Joan also leaves behind her son-in-law, Mitchell Biarsky. She was preceded in death by her daughter Suzanne Biarsky, her parents, Edward and Susie Grunwald, her brother Joseph Janchus and her sister, Helen Wefers.

After completing her education at Tufts University, Joan embarked on a career in Occupational Therapy. She began her career at VA hospitals post-WWII, meeting Henry as he rehabilitated from injuries received during the war. She stopped working to raise her children, then returned to work in OT after her husband’s passing, eventually ascending to the role of Department Head of the therapy department at JFK Medical Center in Edison, NJ and thereafter at Bayshore Medical Centerin Holmdel, NJ.

Joan’s passions extended beyond her professional life. During her life she was an avid reader, loved to crochet, and had a passion for travel, having visited over 15 countries. Summers were joyously spent in Ocean City, NJ, with her children and grandchildren, creating cherished memories.

A private service will be held in New Jersey to honor Joan’sremarkable life. Joan's legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her, and she will be deeply missed by family, friends, and colleagues.

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