JoAnn Kushner
October 21, 1942 ~ October 26, 2005
Resided in:
Bryson City, NC
JoAnn Kushner, 63, of 350 Holley Mountain Top Road, died Wednesday, October 26, 2005 in an Asheville, NC hospital after an extended illness of kidney failure.
A native of Fayetteville, NC, she was a daughter of the late Stephen and Lois Surles Kushner. She lived in Atlanta, GA for most of her life and was a retired school teacher.
Left to cherish her memory is a daughter Ryann Redmond of Suwanee, GA; a son, Keith Puskus of Cumming, GA; five grandchildren, Blair, Jordan and Chloe Redmond and Mersadi and Maddux Puskus; a sister, Dianna Arnold of Fuqua-Varina, NC and a brother, Larry Kushner of Fayetteville. She is also survived by her significant other, Pat Quarterman.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 PM Sunday at Mrs. Kushner’s residence in Bryson City.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation WNC Chapter, 10 McDowell Street Asheville, North Carolina 28801.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
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Deon and I extend our deepest sympathy to Joann’s children,her sister Dianna, her brother Larry and her longtime friend Pat. Joann was one of Deon’s teachers in school many years ago. We will keep the family in our prayers.
My deepest condolences to the loved ones of Ms. Kushner. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Remember all the happy times you had with your mother.
My deepest sympathy to all of Jo’s family and friends. Jo Ann and I have been friends for 44 yrs..I loved her vibrant personality and her beautiful soul. She shared with me her love for her children & grandchildren, who now have lost their best friend. This world has lost a great person – Heaven has gained a beautiful resident.
Know that I’ll always love you, Jo.
When I see you again, we’ll relive all our dearest memories.Remember when we were the 2 prettiest girls at PSC. Rest now in peace. You live on thru your kids & grandkids.
I shall never forget that sparkle in your beautiful eyes. I love you!
I want to express my condolences for the loss of your beloved mother, grandmother, and sister. I had the honor of meeting Joann about six weeks ago. Larry and I visited Joann and Pat for a weekend. I did not know that Joann literally lived on top of a mountain, but Larry and I found out first hand how poorly motorcycles handle at nosebleed elevations on the gravel road leading to Joann’s house. I felt as though I already knew Joann from the first hug I got from her after we successfully made it to her driveway. Joann, Larry, and I had something in common. By all of us being retired educators, we were able to share the many experiences we’d had while working in public schools. I found Joann to be spirited and entertaining in telling stories about her years as a teacher. We laughed all night while sharing stories about the crazy students and parents we’d encountered over the years. I really felt comfortable with Joann and Pat, who, himself is a character if I ever met one. Both Joann and Pat showed Larry and I a great time. We went to the casino and took a tour of the general area and ate at a couple of great restaurants. I sensed that Joann was at peace with her new mountain home and I found I didn’t want to leave at the end of our visit. On Sunday morning Larry and I shared a final meal with Pat and Joann at the flea market before we began our journey home. I told Joann that Larry and I had a mountain girl in Cherokee now and that I would be stopping in again to see her and Pat. I fully expected to visit again in the spring. I am sad that Joann is gone because I felt she was a good friend to me, like her brother, Larry. Even though I shared just a few days with Joann, she made an big impression on me. I was touched with Joann’s strong spirit and her kindness. She opened her home to me and treated me like family. I know all of you will miss her terribly, but you are fortunate to have had her in your lives. You can take pride in knowing that Joann touched many people in her life. I will miss the mountain girl deeply, but I will never forget her. May God bless your family and comfort you in this difficult time.
Al Taylor
Words are inadequate to convey my heartfelt sympathy for you who most deeply loved and cherished Jo Ann. Like all who knew her, she was too dynamic and impressive for me to ever forget. To Jo: ‘I love you and will see you later.’
Love, Karin
To JoAnn’s family and friends:
God makes no mistakes!! Speaking from personal experience, TIME does heal all wounds, but it WILL take time. Please remember — ‘TO BE ABSENT FROM THE BODY IS TO BE PRESENT WITH THE LORD’