Joan Mary Gourley

Joan M. Gourley, Scranton, Pa, formerly of Chalfont, Pa, passed on January 19, 2023 after a short illness.

She was 91 years of age and ready to go home to her Lord although we were not ready for her to leave.

She was the daughter of the late Harry and Anne Burke and the sister of the late Frank Burke.

Joan was married to the love of her life and best friend, Eugene R. Gourley, who passed in 2006. They

shared 51 years of marriage at the time of his passing. She loved nothing more than traveling with Gene

whether it be by land, air or sea. We know that, once reunited, they will explore the far reaches of Heaven

together. Joan was also pre-deceased by her son Tom in 2020. He was her bud and she was his

confidante. She was also pre-deceased by her son-in-law Brian P. Kelly.

Joan is survived by three loving children Gene, Jr., Terri Giambrone, and Meg Kelly Pappas (Tom). As

much as she loved her kids, we admit that her heart truly belonged to her grandchildren Amanda (Jeff),

Elissa (Paul), Norah, and Sadie. She is also survived by two step-grandchildren, Kati (Tom) and Marissa.

She was also so grateful to have been able to twice meet her great granddaughter Evelyn Claire before

her passing.

Joan graduated from Notre Dame High School in Philadelphia and West Chester University with a degree

in elementary education. She taught for many years before becoming a full-time wife and mother. She

then worked as a bank teller until her retirement.

Joan was a friend to all she met. She could carry on a conversation with anyone about anything. No

matter where she went, she found someone to chat with which always made her late, often to the

annoyance of her family. She loved to play games, especially bridge, and created a ladies’ neighborhood

bridge club which met every week for over 30 years. These women were her best friends.

Joan was a neat freak and hated clutter. Her favorite phrase was “pitch it!” She was generous to a fault,

especially with her granddaughters. She spent much of her time giving back to her community and to St.

Jude Church. She loved plants and flowers, especially her orchids and African violets. Mostly though,

she loved to read and instilled that love upon her children and grandchildren. A trip to the library or the

bookstore had always just occurred or was being planned. Much to her chagrin, she could never master

anything technology-related except for her kindle and she was never without a book or her kindle in hand.

If you find it in your heart, a donation to www.buckslib.org, www.lclshome.org or any local library in her

memory would be a lovely gesture.

A private mass and burial with her husband and son will be held at the convenience of the family.

When Amanda and Elissa were young, they drew a picture for their Grammy with the words “You are so

so nice to everyone, Grammy.” That was her to a tee. She was so nice. We need more niceness in our

world. Please be nice to someone today – and every day – and think of our mom, our Grammy and our

Joanie at that time.