Joanna (Guresz) Truax

Guilderland - Joanna (Mom) lived a long full life of 91 years – being the first born in the U.S. of Polish/Ukrainian immigrants (Peter and Carolina Guresz), she was raised seeing and participating in the hard work it took from parents and family to build a home and family. She loved her older brother and sister (Tony and Betty “Bina”) and was guided by them in her early years. Later came Carrie and Pat who to this day have been steadfast loving sisters for Joanna. Her long fruitful life with Harold Truax of Knox, NY included her hard work and commitment as they built their own home in Altamont, New York and steadily grew their family to include three sons they loved dearly – Thomas, William, and Richard. As the family grew, so did the projects to expand their home, add a small barn, and create opportunities for their kids. Joanna was a life-long committed wife and partner to her late loving husband Harold (passed of ALS in 2013) – they worked to support their family, grow their home, and provide continual opportunities to their sons – from family camping trips in an over-stuffed car to ski trips with snow-tire chains at small rope tow areas where Joanna and Harold sat in the lodge by the fire reading the paper while the boys skied. Later in life Joanna joined Harold in all manner of antique V-8 Ford endeavors ranging from cross country Ford Roadster, Cabrolet, and Phaeton tours to back yard farm explorations for car parts. Joanna was committed to her husband, sons, and extended family for her life. She was also committed to Jesus and her local church (St. Madeleine Sophie) – fostering strong faithful friendships there that helped sustain her throughout her life. All of us who remain will miss Joanna dearly – but are thankful for the peacefulness of her passing and all the heartfelt times we got to spend with her. Calling hours will be held Thursday from 4-6 pm at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 am Friday at St. Madeleine Sophie Church 3500 Carman Rd., Guilderland. Burial will follow at Gallupville Cemetery.