JoAnn Rossi, age 77, of Gloversville, passed away peacefully, under Hospice care, on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, NY, after a brief illness. She was born in 1940 in Somerset, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Clifford and Geneva Derencin. From grades 1-8 she attended Bromm Scholl which was a one-room schoolhouse.
After graduating from Somerset High School in 1957, she received a BA degree in education from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois and her master’s degree from National College in Evanston, Illinois.
JoAnn had a great love for teaching. She was an elementary school teacher for 44 years with the first 23 years in the Chicago suburbs of Lombard and Elk Grove Village, Illinois. For 10 of those years she was the school’s librarian, media director and “gifted program” teacher. The last 21 years she taught at Northville Central School in grades 3-5. In 1999 she started Northville’s AIS (Academic Intervention Service) program for students in grades 2-6 who were having difficulties with their school work. She received great satisfaction when each of her students progressed up to and beyond their ability. She retired from teaching in June 2005.
Upon retiring she became a member of the Nathan Littauer Hospital Auxiliary and volunteered her time in visiting with patients at the Nursing Home who had few or no visitors.
She was an avid boater, spending countless hours on the Great Sacandaga Lake with her husband. They enjoyed “hanging out” in many of the unique coves and enjoying many amenities the lake offered. She was a member of the Mayfield Yacht Club where she served a term as publisher of the “Armchair Yachtsman,” the club newsletter.
In her spare time she found relaxation in solving crossword puzzles, crocheting, reading, gardening and playing solitaire on the computer. JoAnn and her husband, who was her best friend, were inseparable. They participated in almost all activities together. They walked year round, every day, weather permitting. JoAnn was a member of the Church of the Holy Spirit and her faith was very important to her.
She is survived by her husband, Joseph, whom she married in 1972 in Buffalo Grove, Illinois; three sisters, Wilma (Martin) Miller of Central City, PA, Betty (Ron) Bruner of Rockwood, PA, and Barbara (George) Harris of Dumfries, VA; three brothers, Bernard Derencin of Port Charlotte, FL, Wilbur (Joyce) Derencin of Altoona, PA, and Donald (Judy) Derencin of Charlotte Hall, MD; also nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by her parents, Clifford and Geneva Derencin.
Calling hours will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 19, 2017, at the Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville, NY, where a prayer service will be held at 9:15 a.m. on Monday, November 20. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 151 S. Main St., Gloversville, with the Rev. Donald Czelusniak as celebrant. Interment will take place in the family plot at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Johnstown.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of the Holy Spirit, 151 South Main Street, Gloversville, NY 12078.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.brbsfuneral.com.
