JoAnn Kuentz

January 9, 1951 - October 23, 2020

JoAnn was upgraded from Earth Angel to Heavenly Angel after fighting kidney cancer for the last 5 years. JoAnn is known for her quiet strength, patience, her gentle spirit, loving dedication to her family, her love of children, and having the kindest heart everyone ever knew. She was an expert quilter, card maker, and crafter, creating beauty wherever she was. She found great joy in gardening and made her yard a sanctuary of beautiful flowering plants. JoAnn had a quick wit, a dry sense of humor, and found the good in everything, even if we couldn't see it. Jo was forgiving with our follies, reminding us what goodness the world has and always looked to tomorrow as being a new day. Born in Elmira NY, JoAnn graduated from Southside High School in 1969. JoAnn had a long career loving up children as a teacher's aide in the Elmira City School District, retiring from Diven School. She brought her creative spirit to help children not only learn but also make beautiful art creations to take home to their parents. JoAnn's family includes son, Joshua Zito (wife Liz, daughter Lucie & son Joe), Portland OR, and daughters, Dorynne Brock, Yonkers NY (daughter Taylor, mate Chris Jangl, granddog Murphy); Delaney Brock (daughters Audrey & Liv, son Tristan), Yonkers NY; siblings, Mike Kuentz-NYC, Mary Kuentz-Waimea, HI, David Kuentz-Watkins Glen, Margie Rodgers (Tom)- Elmira; niece, Coty Adams (Terrence, Maizy, TJ), and cousins, Peggy Dusablon, Sue Hoobler, and many others. JoAnn was predeceased by her parents Joseph (2004) and Etha Kuentz (2014). Special thanks go to Dr. Thomas Rodgers, her brother-in-law, who helped Jo navigate her illness and supported her in many ways; special friends Deb Burgey, Gina Zito and the many friends that supported her during her illness; neighbors Kathy and Amy, Dr. Lee and Nursing Staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering and the countless people who prayed for her, loved her and enriched her life. You all meant so much to her. The staff on 3B at Arnot Health, especially nurse Casey and Dr. Reddy and Dr. Newman, provided kind comfort to Jo and all of her family members, which we are certain JoAnn appreciated as much as we did. Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira, on Friday, October 30, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Covid-19 protocol will be followed with mask wearing and social distancing. Always tenderhearted, JoAnn said in her final days "Love is the beginning and the end of everything." Please do an act of kindness in Jo's honor for someone who needs it. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to "JoAnn's Art & School Supply Fund" at Diven DSO, Diven Elementary School, 1115 Hall Street, Elmira, NY 14901, so that kids have what they need to make art.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Star-Gazette from Oct. 27 to Oct. 29, 2020.

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Alvetta Harvard

October 30, 2020

JoAnn was one of the nicest and kindest ladies I have ever known. She was always thoughtful and caring. I will miss her.

Jo Legare

October 30, 2020

JoAnn was a kind and caring person with so much love to share with the children and adults she worked with at Diven Elementary School. We are honored to accept donations in her name to our arts and crafts fund. We share in your grief and will cherish the memories we made with her. Our sincerest sympathies to her family and friends.

Heather

October 29, 2020

JoAnn always had a smile and hug to give away. Only person I know who already had a set of wings before she got to heaven. She shared her kindred spirit with everyone, lucky enough to have known her. My heart goes out to her amazing family.

Heather

October 29, 2020

Cathy Morrell

October 29, 2020

Joann and I were hired by the ECSD on the same day and assigned to Booth school. So many memories from work & play! I still talk about the get togethers at the “log cabin”! I’ll cherish all the little crafts Joann made for me even more now! Our daughters connected and became friends too. Dorynne even came to England for our daughters wedding! Fly high Joann..you are definitely an Angel❤

Sarah Skebey

October 28, 2020

JoAnn will never be forgotten!! She was more than a true, wonderful, friend!! JoAnn has touch many many lives!! God Bless you JoAnn and peace be yours forever!!

Joann

October 28, 2020

One of the sweetest woman I’ve known. Most sincere condolences to family ....sending love.

Betsy Karhan Wheaton

October 28, 2020

JoAnn and I grew up together, elementary at St. Mary's and then SSHS. JoAnn's house was on my path to school, and I worked in Etha's ceramic shop through jr & sr high school. On the daily walks we shared many life events. We lost touch somewhere after that. From the touching obituary I see that the JoAnn I remember never faltered and grew into the kind of person that we all can proudly say we were lucky to have known her in this earthly life. May the family find comfort in knowing that JoAnn's next life will be filled with only joy.

Jennifer Dombrowski

October 28, 2020

JoAnn was a beautiful person full of love. She was so proud of her family. I am so sorry for the loss you all are experiencing. May the love she had for all of you fill you with comfort and peace.
With love and sympathy,
Jennifer Dombrowski

Betty Allington

October 28, 2020

Heaven truly gained another angel. Rest In Peace my friend❤

Kelli Naylor

October 27, 2020

JoAnn was not only a client but also a friend. We shared decades of stories of family and hardships with victories, sharing, caring and tears. She always made me a special handcrafted gift for Christmas. I wanted her to know how much I appreciate her and love her- she had told me 2 years ago she had always wanted a Chenille scarf, so...of to the yarn store I went and I handcrafted her a gift. I will miss her dearly.

Cindy Melens

October 27, 2020

So sorry for your loss Dorynne, Taylor and Delaney. She will be missed greatly but she will always be with you.

Donna Culver

October 27, 2020

Paula Bauer

October 27, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful, sweet lady. You always had a smile to share and a hug to make people feel special. You fly high my dear friend. You will be missed by so many ❤

Dar Brown Hill

October 27, 2020

JoAnn, so many wonderful, funny and loving memories growing up next door to each other. It is no surprise how loved you are. Rest in peace sweet angel.

Kate and Jacki

October 27, 2020

We are thinking of you❤❤❤

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