Obituary: Emily F. Purdy of Runnemede, 90
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Emilia Frantiska (Jurkovic) Purdy of Runnemede
July 31, 1928 – January 26, 2019
It is with great sadness that her family announces the sudden passing of Emily Purdy at the age of 90.
Emily was the loving mother of Pam Goetz (Joseph), and Scott Purdy (Marilyn). She was grandmother to Kristen Goetz Stevens (Erik), Adriane Goetz, Christopher Goetz, Ryan Purdy (Amber), and Alyson Polidore (Michael). She was the great grandmother of Dane and Brooklyn, and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her newest great grandson Gianni. She was the sister of the late Victor Jurkovic (the late Catherine), and loving aunt to their children Danny, Dianne, Neil and Glenn, and other cherished nieces and nephews.
Emily was the daughter of immigrant parents, the late Antonia and Michal Jurkovic of Slovakia. Born in Weehawken, Emily grew up in Union City within a Slovak community where she attended Slovak school, participated in traditional dance groups, and helped to teach her parents English. Upon graduation from Union Hill High School she worked in New York City at a women’s clothing store.
She met her husband, the late William Purdy, whom she married in 1949 and started a family, moving to South Jersey in 1955. Emily worked for Nelson Freightways in Camden, and then for St. Johnsbury Trucking Company in Pennsauken, where she worked for 20 plus years as office manager and dispatcher. After retiring, she volunteered for U.S. Congressman Robert Andrews, who she considered a second son. Eventually she became a part-time receptionist in his district office, where she worked for 17 years until the age of 86.
Emily was a generous and charitable person, always ready to help others. She cared deeply for her family, and helped to raise her grandchildren Ryan and Alyson. She loved history, reading and the daily crosswords, sang beautifully, enjoyed baking, shopping, and prided herself in dressing to the nines. She also loved animals, especially her granddog, Brody.
Emily was a member of Holy Child Parish and loyally supported St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. She was a collector of many things, most of which her family has no idea what to do with.
Emily will be remembered warmly by family and friends, and all who crossed paths with this strong, independent, and hard-working woman.
There will be a visitation from 7 to 9 Thursday evening and 8:15 to 9:15 Friday morning at Gardner Funeral Home in Runnemede.
Funeral Mass will be held 10 am Friday at St. Teresa’s Church (Holy Child Parish) 13 E. Evesham Ave., Runnemede.
Interment St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Blackwood.