JoAnne M. Gary

JoAnne M. Gary, 87, passed away peacefully Sunday evening at home surrounded by her loving family.

JoAnne was born of the marriage of Joseph and Ann (Keilbach) Styczynski, and named after each.

She was raised in South Troy along with her siblings Joseph, Robert, and Carol; attending School 12 and later Catholic Central High School (when she was not skipping). JoAnne participated in swimming, volleyball, and softball.  But most of all she enjoyed the polish dances at the Polish-American Club, the church, and at Snyder’s Lake.

As the brothers married, their families lived in the same 3-story home as their parents, as later did her grandmother.  “South Troy Against The World”. 

JoAnne married John "Jack" H. Gary in 1963, setting up home first in Albany but soon making a loving home in Wynantskill.  Together in  this union they raised 4 children: John W. (Lynne) Gary, Corby (Laura) Gary, Kevin (Cathleen) Gary, and Melissa (James) Gary-Graziadei. 

Throughout her life, JoAnne worked at various places including the NYS Police, the telephone company, St. Jude’s parish, and Rensselaer County Hospice. But most of all, JoAnne fulfilled her dream as a dedicated mother and  homemaker. She enjoyed frequently cooking her legendary meals for her sister’s family, nieces and nephews to gather. Cordon Bleu.  The Chicken Parm.  Hall of Fame chocolate cookies. Much too many side dishes to mention. Her desserts were always an important part of the production, Cherries Jubilee, Carmel, Chocolate cake with the white middle. Although given the choice she would take Stewarts hand packed Chocolate ice cream.

JoAnne has long been dedicated to her community of friends, the Rosary Alter Society , Toll painting ladies, the Red Hats, St. Judes Seniors, and her golf leagues. She was a dedicated patron of St. Jude’s Parish.

Throughout her life, JoAnne centered her energy and love on her immediate and extended family, cousins, nieces, nephews, and even neighbors.  Later, Grandma JoJo (“JoBabe”) dispensed attention and sage advice based upon years of experience to her adoring grandchildren near and far; Cameron, Zachary, Patrick, Trinity, J.T., Krystian, and Equinox, regardless of whether her thumb was partially blocking her Ipad camera.  “Not for nothing…but”

Visitation is at Wynantskill Funeral Home on Friday January 19, 2024 from 4-7pm. A Catholic funeral mass will be held Saturday January 20, 2024 at St. Jude’s in Wynantskill at 9am, followed by a brief procession to Evergreen Cemetery where JoAnne will be interred. Please join us following services at Paolo Lomdardi’s in Wynantskill 11- 2 for a celebration of JoAnne’s life.                                                                                                                                                     

In lieu of flowers JoAnne asked for a donation to be made in her honor to St. Judes Children’s fund. https://www.stjude.org

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