Joann W. “Jody” Kearns

Joann W. “Jody” Kearns, 64, of Syracuse, passed away Monday at Upstate University Hospital. Born and raised in New Hartford, she later moved to the Syracuse area with her husband. Jody was a graduate of New Hartford Senior High School, received a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oneonta, and a master’s degree in nutrition from Syracuse University. She was employed by the Joslin Diabetes Center as a dietitian for over 35 years before retiring in 2017. A communicant of Holy Family Church, Jody volunteered at the food pantry and was heavily involved in the Parkinson Voice Project. She enjoyed gardening, hanging out at Big Moose Lake in the Adirondacks, and was a huge fan of the half-moon cookies from Gingerbread Bake Shop. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Jody was predeceased by her parents, Reginald and Doris Wooldridge; parents-in-law, Charles and Joan Kearns; and brother-in-law, John F. Kearns.

Surviving are her husband of 43 years, Jamie/Jim; daughter, Melissa (Nick) Clucas of Marblehead, MA; son, P.L. Wilder of Los Angeles, CA; granddaughters, Sloane and Reagan Clucas, and one on the way; siblings, Jeff (Diane) Wooldridge, Jan (Ed) Klesse, and Jennifer (Jim) Turnbull; siblings-in-law, Kevin (Liz) and Joan Kearns; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Relatives and friends may call Thursday, September 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, September 29 at 10 a.m. in Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. 

Jody will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, DeWitt.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Parkinson Voice Project online at www.parkinsonvoiceproject.org.