Jo Ann Kurlej

Jo Ann Kurlej, 85, of Chepachet, RI passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 25, 2017 at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Center, Providence, RI.

Born June 30, 1931 in Pulaski, PA, she was the daughter of the late Lloyd and Mary Shepherd Rodgers. She was married on January 7, 1955 to Leonard “Lex” Kurlej, who predeceased her on October 7, 2012.

She was a graduate of Salamanca High School, Class of 1949 and a member of the former Holy Cross Church. She had been employed at EF Norton, Economy Drug, Reed’s Newsroom, and Hampshire Mills. Jo Ann was always welcoming, accommodating, and very knowledgeable wherever she worked. She was well-liked and respected by all.

In 1987, Jo Ann and Lex moved to Chepachet, RI to be near and spend time with their daughter, son- in-law, and grandchildren. During the winter months, they lived at the Siesta Bay Resort in Ft. Myers, Florida for nearly 28 years, where Jo Ann established a library for the residents. She also served as a ranger and manager of their post office.

Jo Ann’s greatest love was her family. The memory of her inner strength, determination, kind heart, and sense of humor will continue to live on in all those who knew and loved her.

Surviving are: a daughter, Alexis (Michael) Heller, Chepachet, RI; four grandchildren, Alyssa Heller, Bristol, RI; Aaron (Lindsay) Heller, Schoharie, NY; Kristina (Steven) Florio, Cambridge, MA; and Alexander Heller, Chepachet, RI ; along with many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was predeceased by all of her siblings: three brothers, Lloyd Rodgers, Fred Rodgers, Charles Rodgers, and a sister, Elsie Moritz.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a memorial mass at Our Lady of Peace Parish on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. There will be no visitation.

Funeral services are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY.

En lieu of flowers, masses may be requested in her memory or donations may be made to the Philip Hulitar Hospice Center, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.