Joanne J. Rurak, 89, Retired from Western Electric

Joanne J. Rurak, 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 23 at Hannah Duston Healthcare Center in Haverhill.

Born in Haverhill on May 6, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Joseph S. and Sophie (Bishup) Rurak.

Graduating from Haverhill High School’s class of 1947, her class conducted commencement exercises at the former Paramount Theater. She then began working at the LaSande Shoe Company. Rurak accepted the opportunity to join the former Western Electric where she worked in the packing room 21 years before retiring in 1992. She was a lifelong parishioner of the former Saint Michael’s Church, the Holy Rosary Society, and the Emblem Club.

For 30 years she lived in Mission Towers where she was very active in the community and was known for her warmth, generosity and her determination to win at bingo.

Rurak was very proud to participate in the political campaigns of her uncle, the late Senator Jake Rurak and her cousin, former Haverhill Mayor Jim Rurak.

She is survived by her first cousin James Rurak, his wife Kathy and their children, Christopher, AnnMaureen and Rose. Her family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff of Hannah Duston Healthcare Center for their kindness and compassionate care over the past several years.

Visitation hours are on Tuesday, Nov. 28 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main St., Haverhill followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at All Saints Church. Burial at St. Patrick’s Cemetery will occur at a later date. Donations in Rurak’s memory may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, All Saints Church, 120 Bellevue Ave., Haverhill, Mass., 01832.