Joan B. (Gurshick) Breneiser, 84, died peacefully April 26, 2016 at home.
Joan was born August 26, 1931 at St. Joseph Hospital in Reading PA to the late John (Jack) Gurshick and Violet Reinert Gurshick.
She was predeceased by her husband, William C. Breneiser, March 10, 2010. They were married 57 years.
Joan is survived by her two children, William C. Breneiser II and his wife Betsy (Reinhart) Breneiser; Shillington, and Elizabeth (Betsy) J. (Breneiser) Hendel and her husband John Roderick Hendel, Reading.
She was lovingly called “Baba” by her four grandchildren; Johanna M. Hendel, Christian C. Breneiser, Taylor W. Breneiser, and Samuel H. Hendel.
Joanie was a graduate of Reading High School class of 1949 and attended Northeast Jr. High School where she was a proud member of the Highland Lassies.
She received her Associate’s Degree in Social Work/Mental Health in 1985 at the age of 54 at Reading Area Community College. Her work included the Breneiser Tobacco Co., as receptionist and bookkeeper, YMCA Youth Services instructor for pre-employment training classes program (PET) for 6 years, and part-time work at Dimensions Crafts.
She was a member of the Berks County YR Club and Flying Dutchmen Ski Club. Also a volunteer for The Literacy Council, Cub Scout Leader, and Secretary of the PTA Thomas Ford Elementary School.
Her hobbies included bird watching, crossword puzzles, painting, and snow and water skiing.
Joan and Bill took many ski trips to Europe and enjoyed sailing in the Caribbean as well as several memorable visits to Bermuda. Her favorite trip was when she took the whole family including her four grandchildren to St. Lucia for a week where many good memories were made. She also spent many summers in Ocean City and Stone Harbor NJ. Joan was a wonderful friend to many people who enjoyed her fun-loving spirit. She was very much involved in her grandchildrens’ lives who loved their Baba dearly.
Her cats, Chauncey and Bootie, were delightful companions in her life - both adopted.
Her favorite saying was, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.”
Donations in Joan’s name can be made to the Humane Society, Animal Rescue League, or to One-by-One Cat Rescue.
Services are private at the convenience of the family.

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