Obituary of Joan M Gough
Joan Mary Ohlarik Gough, 79, of Bridgewater, New Jersey passed away on January 25th 2023 at Morristown Medical Center after a courageous fight against heart disease.
Funeral service and visitation will be held at Bernardsville Methodist Church, 22 Church Street, Bernardsville, NJ 07924, on Thursday, February 2nd starting at 10:00am for visitation with the family, followed by a service at 11:00am with Pastor Yoon officiating. A private Burial will follow at St. Bernard of Clairvaux in Bridgewater.
Joan was born in Somerset, NJ to Stephen and Mary Ohlarik on January 27th, 1943. She graduated from Somerville High School in 1961.
Joan was truly one-of-a-kind, and will most be remembered for her independence, tenacity and grit starting with making her own way very early in life and working until she was 75. She lived in Bernardsville for almost 50 years and was known and loved by many for her keen wit, sparkling eyes, head-to-toe glamorous appearance and ability to make friends everywhere she went. Most of all she will be known and loved for her utter devotion to her children and grand-children who could literally do no wrong in her eyes. She was not a stereotypical grandmother who baked cookies and only knew the ancillary parts of her grandchildren’s lives – she knew everything and was their closest ally and fan. Words cannot express the unconditional love and support she gave to her daughter.
Joan is survived by her loving children, Andrew and Brenda Menichillo of Clinton and Sean Gough of Columbia, SC and adoring grandchildren, Hannah, Jack and Hope who will miss her terribly and will always remember her as “Guda.” She is also survived by her loving brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Shirley Ohlarik of Somerville and her loving sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Donald Koelmel of Asbury.
Memorial donations may be made to Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute or Valve and Structural Heart Center (by using the “Other Designation,” and typing Valve and Structural Heart Center) at the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center (https://www.f4mmc.org/donate-now/). For further information, or to leave an online condolence message please visit www.gcfuneralhome.com
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