Jo Ann (Zuckerman) Gurian

Jo Ann Gurian, 81, of Palmyra, PA, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 3, 2023. Jo Ann Gurian was born on April 29, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, to Janice and Robert Zuckerman. Three years later, a sister, Barbara, arrived to round out the family. Not long after graduation from High School, Jo was married.

On November 5, 1960, Jo married the love of her life, Mark Gurian. Jo and Mark would spend a lifetime together raising a family, working, traveling, and building a wonderful life. This journey took them on moves to various states, but their true love was living in Upstate New York. There they raised their boys, their many cats, and their love for each other. Jo wore many hats, but wife and life partner were amongst the most important to her, and she showed that to all who knew her daily.

Jo lived a life of service. Service to her, family, friends, and community. Her empathy, wisdom, and resourcefulness impacted many, many individuals. Jo began her working career as a nurse’s aid. She would go onto receive a B.A. from Empire State College and a M.S.W. from Hunter College. Jo worked for over 20 years at the Ulster County Mental Health Clinic. She began as a Counselor and left as a Supervisor. She was recognized by the local YWCA as “Women of the Year” in 2000, for her years of dedicated service to her community. Jo was active in retirement and led a Women’s Support group right up until the time of her passing. In addition, she spent many years as a therapist and had a thriving therapy business.

Jo was an avid traveler. Her journeys took her to places like Spain, Italy, Thailand, Hawaii, and others. These trips inspired her passions for photography, flowers, and art. Jo was guided by her spirituality and saw travel as a way to connect to the world and others.

Jo and Mark spent 59 years together before his passing in 2019. Jo spent the last few years actively supporting her family and maintaining many long, long, friendships. Jo leaves behind a son, Wade, who resides in Groveland, Florida, a son Brian and his wife, Karla, and their two daughters Joandra, and Samantha, who live in Palmyra, PA. In addition, Jo’s sister Barbara, brother-in-law, Kevin, and her nieces, Ana, Lauren, Daniella, and Marta, cousin, KJ, and a host of others.

Jo has been a role model for living a life filled with love and caring. I do not think a day will go by without someone recalling her profound impact and her positive approach to this gift of life.

We would like to just say thank you Mom, for everything. We will miss you terribly. We love you!

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