Obituary of Joanne M. Gillen

Joanne Gillen, 84, died peacefully in her sleep Saturday, February 22, 2014 at the Capital Living Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Schenectady. Joanne was married to Edmund Gillen until his passing in 1984. She is survived by her six children Matt, Paul, Ed, Ray, Jim and Amy (Scharf). Joanne is also survived by her 10 grandchildren, Emmett, Timothy, Justin, Misti, Frank, Teddy, Trevor, Elise, Aidan and Jared and two great-grandchildren Grover and Calvin. She is also pre-deceased by her brother Emmett Hogan. Joanne grew up in New York City and Long Island and attended St. John's University where she met her husband. Joanne spent much of her life in the Capital Region, having moved to Niskayuna in 1959. She took great pleasure and pride in raising her six children. She focused on family, friends and community activities. She enjoyed singing with the Melo Dears of Schenectady and volunteering at St. Clare's Hospital. Joanne worked part-time at the Carl Company for twenty years and had many happy memories of her work there. Joanne was a woman of deep Catholic faith and was a long-standing member of St Helen's parish where she volunteered. She later joined Our Lady of Fatima Church. Joanne's family and friends will remember her energy, strength, humor and the great affection she had for family and friends, especially her ten grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The Gillen family thanks Joanne's favorite nieces Patricia Brogan and Gayeanne Shulman and long-time friend Lorraine Endries for their support and companionship. The family is also grateful to the entire staff at Capital Living for their support and compassionate care. Calling hours will be Monday, February 24 at Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union Street (at McClellan St.), Schenectady from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 0n Tuesday at 9 AM at Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Roman Catholic Church, 2216 Rosa Rd., Schenectady. Burial will be at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna.