JoAnn Oppenheimer Gore, 91, passed away peacefully at home in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, leadership and connection.
She was the devoted mother of Adrian Hershman Dubow (Ken) and Brent Lon Hershman (z”l) (Deborah).
Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, and Leawood, Kansas, JoAnn graduated from the University of Missouri–Kansas City with a degree in education and began her career as a teacher. Her passion for people and connection guided her extraordinary 65-year professional life. She founded Jolynn Remembering Service, later JoAnn and Associates, and went on to build a successful 30-year career in real estate in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was also a published author.
At 50, JoAnn began a new chapter in Newport Beach, California, before settling in Las Vegas. She retired at 85 and spent her final years in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she created “Schmooze with JoAnn,” a group devoted to friendship, storytelling and connection.
JoAnn was deeply committed to leadership and community service. She served for 25 years on the University of Missouri Kansas Alumni Board and founded and led the Southern California Alumni Club. In Las Vegas, she was appointed by the governor of Nevada to serve 12 years on the State Board of Architecture, Interior and Residential Design. She was a charter member of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and The Entrepreneur Club and an active member of the Nevada National Association of Realtors.
JoAnn was always committed to her Jewish Community and a member of Congregation Beth Shalom in Kansas City for 50 years. In Las Vegas, she served on the board of Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation, the Jewish Community Center and Jewish National Fund. JoAnn attended Shabbat services up until her final weeks. She loved her Judaism.
JoAnn was predeceased by her parents, Rebecca and Harry Oppenheimer; her siblings, Herb Oppenheimer (Blanche), Robert Oppenheimer, Irene Kish, Alvin Oppenheimer and Barbara Krigel (Ed); her beloved son, Brent Lon Hershman; and her husband, Ken Gore.
She is survived by her loving daughter and son-in-law, Adrian Hershman Dubow and Ken Dubow; her grandchildren, Rachel Dubow Levine (Daniel), Brian Dubow, Ariel Hershman Brown (Justin), and Hannah Hershman; and her great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Saylor, and Shiloh Brown. She also survived by loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
JoAnn will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, optimism and the joy she brought to all who knew her. Her family and community will forever cherish her spirit and carry forward her light.
Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.