JoAnne Hatch Galbraith Bruch

JoAnne Hatch (Galbraith) Bruch, born in New York City Aug. 9, 1935, peacefully departed on June 5, 2024, in Dallas, Texas.

Her warmth and affection touched the lives of many, spanning from her childhood home in Nutley, New Jersey to where she raised her family in Devon, Pennsylvania, to the serene haven of Longboat Key, Florida, where she reveled in countless summers and a decade of golden years alongside her beloved husband of 50 years Herbert.

To her adoring family and friends, she was affectionately known as Grandjo, a title befitting her nurturing spirit. She was a proud alumna and ardent supporter of Well’s College. She went on to attend the University of Pennsylvania to get her masters in English and became a high school English teacher. It was at Penn where she met Herbert. Their shared passion for bridge ignited a lifelong bond. Both attained the esteemed title of Life Master in Bridge, forging enduring friendships within their bridge club and traversing the nation for tournaments.

A connoisseur of literature, JoAnne's avid reading traversed a myriad of genres, culminating in the publication of her own book, which chronicled the remarkable life of Aunt Dr. Hilde Bruch, renowned for her pioneering work on anorexia. Her joys extended to gardening, artistic exploration, and birdwatching, all while passionately supporting various philanthropic endeavors with her boundless generosity.

In their retirement, Grandjo and Gramps embarked on global adventures, from the enchanting Galapagos Islands to the picturesque landscapes of Holland and Czech Republic, and the vast plains of Africa, punctuated by leisurely cruises. Joanne was preceded in death by her husband Herbert (2020). She is survived by 5 children: William Galbraith of Annandale, VA, Daniel Galbraith of Wilmington, NC, James Galbraith (Beverly) of Southlake, TX, Julia Fecko (David) of State College, PA, and Richard Bruch (Sheila) of Bethesda, MD; her brother Thomas (Margie) and sister Martha. Grandjo had 7 grandchildren who will also miss her dearly.