Joanne Gorman

Joanne Gorman, 67, passed away peacefully on October 19 surrounded by her loving family. Born October 9, 1958 at the Margaret Hague, Jo was a lifelong resident of the Greenville section of Jersey City. She attended St. Paul's Elementary School and Saint Dominic Academy, graduating in 1976. From there, Joanne followed her calling to be an educator, receiving her bachelor's degree in education from NYU in 1980 and her master's degree in special education from Penn State in 1982. She then returned to Penn State in 1984 to pursue doctoral studies in special education, ABD.
Joanne's children are the thousands of students whose lives she touched during her 45 years of teaching. With unwavering love, support and guidance, Joanne dedicated her career to working with at-risk youth, changing the trajectory of so many young lives.
Joanne cherished her Jersey City community. She was an active member and employee of her revered St. Paul's Church taking on numerous responsibilities such as reviving the parish feast, teaching and directing Religious Education, directing the parish food pantry, and accompanying countless parishioners and families in so many ways. Her outreach extended to neighborhood organizations; namely, Project Greenville, a community improvement and engagement program, all while accumulating 2,700 volunteer hours at Liberty Science Center.
Despite significant health challenges, Joanne spent her final years as principal of Sacred Heart School. The culmination of her life's work ended with the transition of Sacred Heart to its new home at St. Paul's, in the same building Joanne attended elementary school 61 years ago. This full circle moment brought much joy to her final two years of life and work.
Joanne played many roles throughout her life, but none were more important to her than her role as a daughter, sister, aunt, and great-aunt. She will be remembered as a biker - biking cross-country from New York to Oregon twice; a hiker - once hiking the famous Angel's Landing in Zion Canyon; a curiosity collector, cat lover, gardener, exceptional gift giver, and renowned theater goer - attending hundreds of plays throughout the years with family and friends.
Joanne was predeceased by one of the most important people in her life, her beloved mother, Marilyn Gorman, as well as her father, Thomas Gorman. She leaves behind her cherished family; sisters Karen Ripkey and her husband Peter, Shannon Lancellotti and her husband Carmine; brother Kevin Gorman and his wife Maureen; nephew Brian Ripkey and his wife Staci; nieces Sarah Veniero and her husband Billy, Mia Lancellotti and her fiancée Kat, Jenna Lancellotti, Shannon Lancellotti; and her great nieces and nephews Clara, Ethan, Emma, and Gino. Joanne is also survived by many loving cousins, extended family members, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, Joanne would ask you to perform an act of kindness in her memory, make a donation to Sacred Heart School at St. Paul's or to a charity of your choice.