Joan Marie (Gmerek) Brubach

Joan Marie Brubach, 83, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, surrounded by family. She was born May 31st, 1938, and resided in Akron, Suffield, and Jackson Township. Joan was preceded in death by her husband Dave Brubach, her parents Michael and Rita Gmerek, in-laws Joseph and Gladys Brubach, brothers Bill and Mickey and sisters Betty, Rita and Donna. She is survived by daughter Kerry Leone (Bob), son Scott (Jaime), brother Bernie Gmerek (Karen), sister Marci Bisesi (Sam), sister-in-law Pat Gmerek, brother-in-law Glenn "Bucky" Stoltz, brother-in-law's Bruce (Bev) Brubach, Joe Brubach, sister-in-law Marie Homer (Bill), along with many nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.
Joan was a graduate of St. Vincent High School. She worked at General Tire with two of her sisters before settling down to be a mother. She raised two children and returned to the work force as an administrative assistant at Tri-State Realty and Cutler before retiring to focus on spending time with Dave. She was Dave's right-hand woman, typing all his wrestling scores and tests and was always there to support him in his legendary coaching and teaching career. They especially loved dancing and traveling and spent many winters in Alva, Florida with long-time friends Bob and Nancy Benham. Joanie was a wonderful daughter, devoted wife, loving mother, sister, aunt, and friend to many. She cherished her alone time every morning with her coffee and crossword puzzles and if it happened to be Saturday morning, you could hear the polkas throughout the house. She enjoyed playing games with her family, gambling at the casino with her sisters and eating ice cream. She loved being outside planting flowers and even mowing the grass. But most of all, her life centered around being with family, laughing and appreciating all the good times together. We must mention, a happy hour scotch was never out of the question.
Joan was a member of Queen of Heaven Parish in Green where she volunteered with the Labre Ministry to feed the homeless. For those that had the sheer pleasure of knowing her, her love and friendship was unwavering. We are blessed to have shared an amazing family vacation this summer which will be forever etched in our memory. A special thank you to Tri County Hematology & Oncology and the Aultman Hospital staff for their care the past few weeks to help Joan rest peacefully.
The family will receive visitors on Friday, November 5th from 10:00am-12:00pm with mass beginning at 12:00pm at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 1800 Steese Rd., Union town OH 44685. Her final resting place will be Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Labre Ministry at Queen of Heaven.