She was born in Erie, Pa. on August 21, 1947 and graduated from Villa Maria High School. She was married to Dr. Gerard Gorniak on August 14, 1971.
Jo Ellen Gorniak had a career in Skilled Nursing in Erie, Pennsylvania, Ann Arbor, Michigan and Tallahassee, Florida and her dream job working at McDonalds in St. Augustine Beach, Florida. She was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Quincy, Florida; St. Louis Catholic Church Prayer Group, Tallahassee, Florida; and Marian Servants of Blessed Sacrament, St. Augustine, Florida.
She had a passion for Praying, loving people and mostly being a grandmother to her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Ellen Kierzek; her in-laws, Walter and Delphine Gorniak; her brother, Timothy Kierzek; her sister, Mary Copple; and brother-in-law, John Copple; her sister, Kathleen Meyer; and brother-in-law, Gary Meyer; her sister-in-law, Marleene Kern; and brother-in-law, Jim Kern; brother-in-law, Paul Gorniak; and sister-in-law, Doreen Gorniak.
She was survived by her husband of 52 years, Dr. Gerard “Gary” Gorniak; her children, Michelle and Daniel McKenzie and Brian and April Gorniak; her grandchildren, Hannah McKenzie, Savannah Gorniak, Simon Gorniak and Samuel Gorniak; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Biernik (Joe Chromik); and brother-in-law, Mark Biernik; nieces and nephews, Buffy Lee, Jennifer and Kyle Longstreet, Johnny Copple, Michelle Shultz, Mike Kern, Kelly and Jake Portenier, Joel Gorniak, Chris Gorniak, Nick and Lisa Biernik, David Biernik; many great nieces and nephews as well as cousins and beloved friends and adopted kids.
Jo Ellen never met a person she never loved, she was the true definition of what all Christians should strive to be, her heart knew no bounds, she had a contagious smile and was always willing to sit and talk or text. Jo Ellen loved her family mostly her Grandchildren they are her pride and joy – and she always had special treats for them as well as anyone who came to the house. Jo Ellen touched so many lives and made such an impact on all those she ever met, there will be an empty spot in our hearts for her until we meet again.
We love you, until next time.
Funeral arrangements will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 27 N Shadow Street, Quincy, Florida. Family will receive guests at 11:00 AM with a Funeral Mass to follow at 12:00 PM on Monday, May 13, 2024.
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