Joan Kuruc Obituary

Agawam, Mass. - Joan (Norman) Dyer Kuruc, 78, of Agawam, Mass., passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 29, 2013, in Old Lyme.

Joan was born in 1934, in Springfield, Mass., and graduated from the High School of Commerce and Springfield Hospital School of Nursing. Joan was filled with kindness, possessed a zest for life, and had an unconditional love for her family. She was known to most everyone she met as "auntie." Her outgoing and engaging personality captured the hearts of those who knew her. Family vacations, especially those spent on Cape Cod, held a special place in her heart.

Joan was predeceased by her husbands, Alfred Dyer of Massachusetts, John Kuruc of Illinois; and her loving parents, Herbert and Florence (Vaughan) Norman of Illinois. Joan was devoted to her family and loved them dearly; family meant everything to her.

She is survived by her brother, Theodore Norman and his wife, Joyce, of Madison; her nieces, Lara Norman-Gohn and her husband, Geoff, of Old Lyme, and Kerstyn Deskin and her husband, Michael, of Guilford; her nephew, Christian Norman and his wife, Juliana, of Guilford; her great nieces, Christina Norman-Gohn her fiancÃ©, Geoff Moores, of Stonington, Alexandria Norman-Gohn of Old Lyme, Carlen and Laura Deskin of Guilford; and numerous cousins.

Joan's residence in Agawam was a bright, sunny, cheerful apartment within the home of her cousin, Richard Hanchett and his wife, Cynthia, and their two sons. In frequent trips to visit her Connecticut family, she enjoyed being immersed in the lives of her niece and great nieces.

Visiting hours for Joan will held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013, at Sampson's Chapel of the Acres Funeral Home, 21 Tinkham Road, Springfield. A funeral home service will follow her visiting hours at 11 a.m. on Thursday. Rites of Committal and interment will follow in Hillcrest Park Cemetery, 895 Parker St., Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joan's memory may be made to Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, 171 Union St., Springfield, MA 01105.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Sep. 3, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Joan Kuruc

8 Entries

Louise and Anne

August 27, 2023

She was one of a kind, great friend.

Joyce

August 27, 2019

Gone but never forgotten.

Carol Lovell

September 6, 2013

I just read what Zak wrote and was so touched by his words because I know how real they are and how true. Rick, Cindy, Zak and Nick were so special to Joany, she would tell me how blessed she was to live there with them and have them in her life. She was made better for having them and they were changed forever, having her in their lives. A FAMILY none-the-less! As for me, Joany was all I strive to be. She was, like Zak said, an "Angel" on earth and now an "Angel" who would choose to watch over each of us. I can hear her laugh and I can instantly recall her last conversation with me and how caring she was and what wisdom she had to give. I will not forget her and I will stand for LOVE like she always did!

Anne & Louise

September 5, 2013

We met Joan when we moved next door to her/your parents in Elgin and became fast friends, if one's Life is measured by the Love of Family and Friends then Joan's Life was and ever will be over flowing with both.

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Zak Hanchett

September 4, 2013

To Joany, the woman with the smile. She was one of the most kind-hearted and amazing people to graze this earth and our family. Joany cherished life; she knew how to live each moment to the fullest, each day to the longest, each hour to biggest, each minute to the happiest and each second with her family. Family was key to her. Joany would give over her heart and soul to her family, and that she did. Anything anyone of us needed she would drop everything and be there; without question, without hesitation, without regret. Little did she know, her presence was all we needed. Joany walked into the room and automatically lit up all our hearts. There was something about her soul that as soon as she came about, smiles filled everyones face. She was full of witty remarks, loud laughs, thoughtful ideas, and undying love. One of the most looked upon moments in a day was when I would head up her stairs and hear a "Zak, can you come here for a minute?" and I would come to see her standing and ask "Can I just have a hug and kiss?" and afterwards there would be a smile so big on her face her dentures would fall and she would tell me that I made her week. She may not have known, but she had made my week just as much. Her strength is one that any should envy. She fought for life and she fought for life hard, but not for herself. She fought for her family. She fought for each and every one of us; So she could see the next soccer game, hear of the next marriage, see the next proposal, hold the next diploma, see the next date to prom, and everything else. She lived for those moments. I, personally, and I know my brother and cousins as well, have been taught so much from this single lady. She taught me to; care, live life, be happy, be myself, let loose, forget the petty stuff, ignore the negative and baste in the positive, realize life's short and make it worth living, and most of all to love. She was a walking embracement of love in every sense and every way and every angle. We love her more than anything. She was not just a cousin, second cousin or aunt or whatever other relation; she was a angel for all of us. Everyone may say an angel is "corny" to say, but not in this case. Joany Kuruc was too amazing of a person amongst this world to be anything other. Now, she is one that has gotten her wings. Joany, we love you more than anything and your presence will forever be within our hearts and remembered. xoxoxo

coach sully

September 2, 2013

We will always remember your smile and hugs before and after our soccer games,you truly were a beautiful and caring person, a shining light for so many kids and adults alike.
You touched so many peoples lives in a positive way, your warm smile and kindness will never be forgotten.
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Debbie Steiger

September 2, 2013

Joanie - My Cousin, my Godmother, the shinning light of our family. We will all miss you so much. We will carry your love and spirit with us forever. You have taught us compassion, love and humor - you will remain in our hearts forever. We will miss you so much xxxooo

September 2, 2013

God gave you to us and God has taken you away from us, even while you are gone, you will forever live within our hearts.

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