JoAnn Gesvantner of White Sulphur Springs, NY, a retired teacher and a lifelong area resident died Friday, December 12 at the Care Center at Sunset Lake in Liberty, NY following a brief illness. She was 75.

The daughter of the late Joseph G. and Margaret Knack Gesvantner, she was born October 5, 1950 in Liberty, NY.

JoAnn had taught elementary education at the Cooke School in Monticello, NY for several years before transferring to the Duggan School in White Lake, NY from where she retired. She enjoyed gardening, kayaking, snow shoeing, and other outdoor activities. She cherished spending time with her family.

Survivors include two sisters, Denise Gesvantner of Liberty, NY and MaryLou Van Aken and her husband Harold of Wallkill, NY; a nephew, Todd Van Aken of New Jersey; a niece, Kimberly Jones and her husband Andrew of Rock Hill, NY; a great nephew, Tyler Van Aken; a great niece, Eliza Jones; a dear companion, William Mellors of Afton, NY and several cousins, including, Margo Denman and her partner, Uada Ketcham of Newfield, NY, Jim Denman and his wife Gail of Livingston Manor, NY and Lee Denman of Slaterville Springs, NY.

Visitation was held Monday, December 15 from 3-6 PM in the Harris Funeral Home West Street at Buckley, Liberty, NY.

Funeral services will be Tuesday (today), December 16 at 11 AM in the funeral home. Pastor Joseph LeConey will officiate.

Burial will be in the Liberty Cemetery, Cold Spring Road, Liberty, NY.

Memorial contributions in JoAnn’s name may be made to the National Wildlife Federation, 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston, VA 20190.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, West Street at Buckley, Liberty, NY, 845-292-0001 or 845-439-5200 or www.Harris-FH.com.