JoAnn, the first daughter and fourth child of Rose Ann (née Werner) and Paul Eckelmann, was born in  Gerritsen Beach, Brooklyn, NY.  She is one of six siblings.  Her maternal great-grandmother, Mary Welsh (née Hughes), was born in County Cork in the late 1800s.  Mary immigrated to the USA after marrying James Welsh, who had left his homeland of County Wexford to start a new life in the USA.

After 31-years of service, JoAnn retired from the MTA’s New York City Transit Authority.  She has been a dedicated member of the NYC Transit Authority Emerald Society for many years and currently serves as Vice President on their board.

In 2001, JoAnn joined the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 22, located in Bay  Ridge, Brooklyn.  She has remained an active member, taking great pride in her Irish heritage.  JoAnn has previously held the position of Kings County Board President and was chosen by her fellow Hibernians as Deputy Grand Marshal for the Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  JoAnn was elected the LAOH NYS Secretary in July 2023.

Alongside her sister, Rose Coulson, JoAnn volunteers in the daily operations of the Hibernian Baile Na Gael, Inc. located in Gerritsen Beach, the only Irish cultural center in Brooklyn.

JoAnn married Michael Gundersen in 1975.  They are the parents of one son, Michael Jr., who is married to Robin (née Mandelbaum), and the proud grandparents of three boys, Michael, Nicholas and Joseph.  JoAnn is an active member of Resurrection Parish in Gerritsen Beach.