Joyce M. Gernatt, age 79, of Jensen Beach, FL and Perrysburg, passed away early Saturday morning, April 7, 2018 at the Martin Health System Facility in Stuart, FL.
Joyce was born April 21, 1938 in the Town of Concord, the daughter of Elwood and Dorothy (Bolton) Goodemote. On January 22, 1955, Joyce married Richard L. Gernatt at St. Mary's RC Church in Cattaraugus. Richard survives.
Joyce worked for 25 years for New York State. At the time of her retirement, she was a Community Resident Director for the former JN Adam Developmental Center in Perrysburg.
Joyce and Dick were both members of St. Joseph's RC Church in Gowanda. They have been wintering in Florida for the past several years. They raised their children on the family farm on Peck Hill, the farm Joyce fondly named Pine Crest. Joyce enjoyed quilting along with landscape painting. She displayed many of her works using watercolors or acrylics at her house or at the homes of family and friends.
A broken hip in mid-January turned into a three-month hospital stay in Florida, from which Joyce was unable to recover. Her husband and children were with her until she was called home to be with her parents and two sons, Dennis and Richard Gernatt, Jr., who preceded her in death, shortly after midnight on Saturday, April 7, 2018.
Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Richard; along with two children, Mark (Robin) Gernatt of Cattaraugus and Connie (John) Allan of West Valley; along with daughter-in-law, Cheri Grenatt of Collins. Joyce is also survived by grandchildren, Josh, Cody, Trevor, Fred, Scott, Craig, Michael, Alison and Erica; Nick Arrigo and his daughter Kali were also considered family to Dick and Joyce. Six great-grandchildren also survive; as do three sisters, Carol (Frank) Lerminiaux of Springville, Shirley Halftown of Olean and Phyllis (Jim) Hill of Otto; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends may call at the Schindler Funeral Home, 44 Center St., Gowanda from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Friday, April 13. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated Saturday, April 14 at 11 a.m. from St. Joseph's RC Church, East Main Street, Gowanda (please assemble at church). Interment to follow in the Holy Cross Cemetery, Gowanda, where Joyce will be buried next to her two sons. Fr. Joseph Porpiglia, Celebrant.
If desired, memorials may be made to St. Joseph's RC Church, 28 Erie Ave., Gowanda, NY 14070.
Obituary from the Observer
