Josephine Ann Updyke (Gardner) of Hornell, NY passed away on
Friday March 8, 2019 at the age of 79.
Joann was born on
February 12, 1940 in North Hornell, NY, and had attended Hornell High School.
In 1964 Joann married Richard Updyke with whom she remained close until his
passing in 2014.
Joann always had a
vision for providing elderly people with great care in a beautiful environment
that was as similar to home as possible. She started with caring for elderly
people in a small home and worked hard toward her goal of creating a large
facility that still had that same welcoming environment. She opened up Updyke’s
Willow Ridge rest home in 1989, which has grown over the years, and many
members of the community have called it home.
Joann was a person
who worked hard and wasn’t afraid of tackling big challenges. Her
entrepreneurial spirit was always there and she dreamed of owning an old
fashioned neighborhood store. She opened Uncle Jack’s Market & Deli in
Hornell in 2017, lovingly named after her brother.
She enjoyed her free
time spent at her second home on Keuka lake. Having a place where her family
could gather and enjoy the lake and good company was always a dream of hers.
She also loved spending time with her dog Pippin who she spent many precious
years with.
Joann was predeceased
by her parents Donald and Vivian Gardner, as well as her sisters Myra Gardner,
Vivian Gardner, and Jeanette Evingham, and brothers Donald Gardner, Darrell
Gardner, Alan Gardner, and James Gardner, and special nephew Jeffery Gardner.
She is survived by
her daughter Lisa Harrick (Stephen), sons David Updyke and Todd Updyke (Lindsey
Downey) along with grandchildren Andraya Bartlebaugh, Kathryn Harrick, Michael
Harrick, Anna Updyke, and Hudson Updyke. Also surviving are brothers Jack D.
Gardner Sr. (Karen) and William Gardner (Phyllis). She is also survived by
several very special people, such as Beverly Hendrickson who was like a second
daughter to her, a dear cousin Deanna Coats, and Trixene McMindes with whom she
was very close, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Family and friends
are invited for calling hours on Wednesday (March 13, 2019) from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m.
at the Brown & Powers Funeral Home 6 Spruce Street in Canisteo. Family will
observe a private funeral on Thursday with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.
Burial will be in Fremont Cemetery in Stephens Mills.
To send a remembrance
please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com, the family is being assisted
by director Chester A. Gosper IV. In lieu of flowers, donations can be
considered at Strong Memorial Hospital % Neuro Icu Unit 601 Elmwood Avenue in
Rochester.