JoAn Gewirtz, 84; was a family therapist

JoAn Gewirtz, 84, of Bala Cynwyd, a retired adolescent and family therapist, died Thursday, Jan. 10, in a traffic accident in Ardmore.

The former JoAn Luban was a passenger in a Toyota Corolla traveling east on West Wynnewood Road when it collided with a westbound Toyota Camry, police said.

Mrs. Gewirtz was pronounced dead on arrival at Lankenau Hospital, police said. The two drivers were treated for minor injuries at other area hospitals.

Wynnewood Road was cordoned off between Lancaster Avenue and Argyle Road for four hours as Lower Merion police investigated. Excessive speed or substance impairment did not appear to be the cause of the accident, police said.

Mrs. Gewirtz grew up in Seattle, where she went to high school. She earned her bachelor's degree at Brooklyn College and had begun studying for her master's degree at Columbia University when she married, had children, and moved to Philadelphia.

Mrs. Gewirtz, who later divorced, completed her master's degree at Bryn Mawr College.

She began practicing at the Irving Schwartz Institute for Children and Youth in Philadelphia in the 1960s.

"As a result of her success there, she went into private practice until 2004," said her son Laurence P.

Her area of expertise was adolescents and their families, as well as marriage counseling, her son said.

"Her children were her pride and joy. She was extremely nurturing, and instilled positive values in them," said her son.

She enjoyed writing poetry and interior decorating.

Surviving, in addition to her son, are another son, Jerry M., and two brothers.

Funeral services are planned for 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, at Joseph Levine & Son, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall. Interment will be in Har Jehuda Cemetery. Shivah will be observed at the late residence.