Joan Urbach

Joan Ann (Gardini) Urbach, a devoted educator, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, in Hudson, New Hampshire. Joan was born on April 29, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York, to Joseph and Madeline (DeSena) Gardini. A proud graduate of St. Agnes Academic High School in 1964, she went on to earn her degree from Hunter College in 1968, majoring in French with a minor in Early Childhood Education. Joan began her teaching career the same year, working as a substitute teacher in various Catholic schools throughout New York. In 1972, she began full-time teaching at Incarnation Catholic School, where her passion for education and deep care for her students left a lasting impact. After moving to New Hampshire in 1987 with her beloved husband, Bill Urbach, she continued her teaching career at Rundlett Middle School in Concord, NH, where she taught until her retirement in 2008. Joan and Bill shared 53 loving years of marriage before his passing in 2021. Together, they built a life filled with love, learning, and laughter. An avid reader, Joan could often be found with a book in hand. She also found joy in cooking, gardening, nature walks, cheering on the Red Sox, and—most of all—spending time with her grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Nonna.” Over the years, she also cherished the companionship of her beloved dogs: Clancy, Chips, Bozley, Ransom, and Zeb. Joan is survived by her loving son, Liam Urbach, and his wife Aileen; her cherished grandchildren, Bailey and Connor Urbach; her dear brother, John Gardini, and his wife Dawn; and many extended family members, friends, and former students who will remember her warmth, wit, and unwavering kindness. Joan’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Inn at Fairview, who brought her joy and comfort in her later years, and to Home Health & Hospice for their compassionate care in her final days. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, June 18th at 10am in St. Kathryn Church, 4 Dracut Road in Hudson. All may meet at church. A Chapel Service will take place later that same day at 2pm in the NH State Veterans Cemetery, 110 DW Hwy in Boscawen. All may meet at the cemetery. In honor of Joan’s lifelong love of reading and teaching, donations may be made to the 2nd & 7 Foundation to support children’s literacy at www.secondandseven.com

Joan Urbach

April 29, 1947 - June 5, 2025