Jo-Ann M. Gates

Jo-Ann M. Dykeman Gates, 79, of Fairmount, passed away peacefully Sunday, January 26, 2014 at University Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. A lifetime resident of the Syracuse area, she was a graduate of Solvay High School. She worked at Carrier Corp. and Onondaga Road Elementary School library. She was a communicant of Holy Family Church and served as a Eucharistic minister. An avid reader, Jo-Ann was a former Fairmount Community Library trustee and member of its book club. She enjoyed the company of her cats, Nyla and Simba. She took great pleasure in the time spent with her friends, playing cards and going to dinner. Above all else, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Jo-Ann was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Edward, in 2002; and sister, Judith Murray, in 1985. Surviving are her daughters, Laurie (Iain) Cunningham of Zurich, Switzerland, Terry (Dick) Nolan of Kensington, CT and Susan (Bob) Moran of Reston, VA; son, Donald (Joelle) of Manlius; grandchildren, Andreas, Eric, Tom, Jimmy, Trevor, Joshua, Maddie and Alex; and several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call Friday, January 31 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, Inc., 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, February 1 at 9 a.m. in Holy Family Church. Jo-Ann will be laid to rest in St. Mary's Cemetery, DeWitt. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to CNY Cat Coalition, P.O. Box 6182, Syracuse, NY 13217 or to the March of Dimes, 1001 James St., Syracuse, NY 13203.