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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.
04/07/2022
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Joanne and I graduated high school together, and the last time we really knew each other was 66 years ago. Wonderful obituary and life. Elaine Cantor has credibility with me, and I loved her memories. Dan Saklad
My heart is broken but Jo’s beautiful smile and her unconditional love for all – both people and animals – will prevail. I was so jealous of her “green thumb.” She was a nurturer to all things living.
I was so very lucky to have Jo as a “sister” for over 60 years. I could always tell Jo anything and know she wouldn’t judge me. She knew how to love, how to be a supportive friend, how to be creative, and how to have childish fun. She was the best mom to her girls and a patient and loving wife to Mike. I miss you so much, my friend.❤️
Our hearts go out to you with deep condolences. Wishing you peace and love.
Your family is so precious just like sweet Joanne. My most sincere condolences! This wonderful woman will be missed by so many.
Remembering your family in heartfelt prayer. May God comfort you through his word the Bible and the gift of prayer.
We are sending our deepest condolences at the loss of a beautiful wife,mother, grandmother and friend. Our family fondly referred to Joanne as Aunt JoJo even though no relation by blood, but relation by spirit. You could feel her hugs deep in your soul. The entire family got together and wrote the following, JoJo was a positive, caring, loving friend to our family. Aunt JoJo brought joy, positivity and laughter to every situation while always being there for others. JoJo was such a bright light in so many lives. Her free spirit and creativity were something we will always admire and look up to. From youthfully playing games to helping with arts and crafts and clay projects, JoJo was always there to help. She uplifted and brought joy no matter your age. We will always cherish our Thanksgivings and Christmas Eves together and playing fierce games of dreidel. Our trees are adorned with all her ornaments over the decades. Our wonderful memories of her and her smile will always be in our hearts as well as her love and spirit we will cherish. Our thoughts and love go out to the entire family in this time of deep sorrow. Much love, Mark, Mert, Finn, Katherine, Hannah and Chloe Cook