Joanne Hurwitz

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Joanne Hurwitz, 79, of Annandale, Virginia passed away on Saturday, April 2nd at her home, surrounded by her husband and loved ones. She bravely fought a decade long battle with a rare lung disease and in recent years, Alzheimer’s. Her family is greatly saddened by her death, but are finding peace in knowing that her suffering has come to an end.

Joanne was born in the Boston area to Raymond and Sarah Paster on July 9, 1942. She grew up in Belmont, Massachusetts and attended Endicott College. After college, she moved to New York City where she met her loving and devoted husband, Myron “Mike” Hurwitz, of almost 57 years. Soon after marriage, they moved to Northern Virginia, where they had three girls, Gwen, Rayna and Lisa. She had an entrepreneurial spirit and successfully ran two businesses — the first, a traveling house plant business, called “The Potted Plant” and the second, a macrame business, called “Knots by Joanne.” In addition to her businesses, she was highly devoted to her children and grandchildren, whether as a Girl Scout leader, mentor, “therapist,” confidante, or playmate. She loved getting together with her friends and family to play cards and laugh, especially her beloved bridge group who she met with regularly.

Joanne will be missed by many. She was well known and loved by everyone (her children’s friends, grocery store employees, plant store staff, and even strangers). She was often described as a beautiful soul with a welcoming smile and a happy spirit. She gave this world much more than she took from it. She was one of those rare people who had the combined qualities of strength, an abundance of love, non-judgment, and fun. She loved being silly with her grandkids and never hesitated to join in as one of the kids. She would wake up well before the school bus just so she could play games with them before they took off for school.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Sarah Paster; and brother, Mark Paster.

She is survived by her husband, Myron “Mike” Hurwitz; daughters Gwen (Larsen) and husband Steven, Rayna (Richardson) and husband David, Lisa (Labinger) and husband Martin; grandchildren, Sam Larsen, Evan Larsen, Brianna (Michel) and husband Anderson, Sarah, Jacob and Adam Richardson; great grandchild, Helix Michel; brother Bob Paster and wife Brana; sister-in-law Karen Paster; and several nieces and nephews.

A shiva will be held at their home on Thursday, April 7 from 1-5pm with a short service at 4pm. Please contact the family for the Zoom link if unable to attend.

The family is very appreciative of the outpouring of love and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Epilepsy Foundation (https://www.epilepsy.com/make-difference/ways-give) or Alzheimer’s Foundation (https://alzfdn.org)

May her memory be a blessing.