Joanne Kurych

Joanne Kurych, 84, passed peacefully on September 13, 2025, in Newark, Delaware. She was surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Crum Lynne, Pennsylvania, to Mr. & Mrs. A. Olinchak, Joanne grew up in a home filled with joy along with her two brothers, Eddie and Butchie. From an early age, Joanne was drawn to helping others. Her compassionate spirit led her to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Chester, Pennsylvania, where she served as an operating room nurse with grace and empathy. It was during this time, she met the love of her life, Pete. They married on January 6, 1962. Their love grew into a beautiful family with the birth of their children, Lisa, Steven, and Kevin. Joanne and Pete built a life and family filled with love and joy.
Joanne's passion for learning never waned. She returned to school to earn her teaching degree and went on to inspire generations of students at Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Elementary. Joanne was a dedicated and compassionate educator who cherished each of her students. Many of them remained in touch with her over the years. This is a true testament to the lasting impact she had on their lives.
Joanne continued her nursing career as a charge nurse at Foulk Manor South for 15 years before retiring.
Joanne took immense pride in her family and cherished every moment spent with them. Joanne embraced life with open arms. She traveled the world, visiting her daughter Lisa in Asia, exploring Europe with Pete and friends, and savored the serenity of countless cruises. At home, she found joy in books and in the kitchen. Joanne's famous pierogies and homemade pizzelles were more than just recipes; they were expressions of love, tradition, and family.
Joanne was deeply devoted to both her church and her community. Each year, she volunteered at the local Peach Festival in Middletown, Delaware. Joanne loved sunny days sitting poolside, watching a snowstorm pile up outside, a good spaghetti dinner, and watching the Phillies game beside her husband. Joanne and Pete were faithful in attending weekly services at Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church. She was a familiar and beloved presence. Whether working in the kitchen or adding her personal touch to the food prepared for church gatherings, Joanne gave her time and talents generously. She left a lasting impression on everyone around her. Her faith was not just practiced, it was lived, in every gesture of kindness and every moment of service. Joanne's legacy is etched in the hearts of all who knew her. In every act of compassion, every shared meal, every story told around the dinner table, she will live on. Joanne's humor, resilience, and unwavering love will remain, guiding her family and all those she touched.
Joanne is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Pete Kurych, along with her beloved children, Lisa (Sam), Steven (Laure), and Kevin (Susan); her treasured grandchildren, Alexis (Tony), Jude, Dominique, Julian, Caroline, Tristan, and Aiden; and her great-grandson, Cameron. Cameron was the newest joy and light of her life.
Ukrainian Catholic services will be held on Saturday, September 20th, 11 a.m. at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 800 W. Lea Blvd., Wilmington, DE 19802. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow at Forest Cemetery, Middletown, DE.
In her memory, donations may be made to St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church: www.stnicholaschurchde.org (302) 762-2622 or St. Jude’s www.stjude.org (800) 805-5856