JoAnn Whitaker (Wight), 74, resident of Pulaski, passed away Saturday at Upstate Hospital surrounded with love by her family. JoAnn was born December 17, 1950, in Gouverneur, the daughter of Harold and Aleta Seavey Wight. She graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1969 and then earned her associate’s degree from SUNY Cobleskill and her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oswego. JoAnn married her husband and lifelong best friend of 54 years, Richard Whitaker, on September 17, 1971. She was employed by the Pulaski Academy & Central School District for 29 years, touching the lives of thousands of students throughout her career working in several capacities including Secretary, Teacher’s Assistant and retiring in June of 2013 as a Business Teacher.
JoAnn was a dedicated and caring woman who gave her time generously to others. She volunteered each year with the Pulaski Lion’s Club, wrapping Christmas gifts for families in need. A proud member of the Pulaski Retired Teachers Association, JoAnn had a lifelong love for children and cherished every moment spent with her own children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. So many memories were made throughout her lifetime that will always be cherished at her family’s camp on Hickory Lake in DePeyster, NY. A passionate sports fan, she enjoyed cheering on Syracuse University sports and the Buffalo Bills and most importantly was so proud to always be present at her grandchildren’s sporting events and school activities. She also enjoyed challenging herself with sudoku and crossword puzzles. Earlier on in her marriage, she and her husband Richard shared a love of taking motorcycle rides to the Adirondacks together, especially Lake Placid. JoAnn was truly a one-of-a-kind angel on earth, and she will be so deeply missed by her family, friends and students whose lives were so fortunate enough to be touched by her kindness.
Surviving are her husband, Richard Whitaker of Pulaski, children, Mark Whitaker and Stacey Philips both of Pulaski, grandchildren, Peter Whitaker (Wife Kelsey), Corey Whitaker (Wife Kiara) and Brooke Whitaker (Fiancé Dalton Smith) and Paige and Laina Philips, great-grandchildren, Wes and Cassie Whitaker, sister, Linda Love of Gouverneur, and brothers, Gary Wight (Wife Thadine) of Canton and Lee Wight (Wife Wendi) of Connecticut. JoAnn was predeceased by her mother Aleta, father Harold and stepfather, Richard Billings.
Funeral services were held at 1p.m., Wednesday, July 2nd at the Foster-Hax Funeral Home, 52 Park Street, Pulaski with burial in Pulaski Cemetery immediately following. Calling hours will be held from 11a.m. to 1p.m., prior to the service.
Donations can be mailed to the Pulaski Lions Club, PO Box 245, Pulaski, NY 13142.