JoAnn C. Rakus
JoAnn C. Rakus, age 78, formerly of 842 N. Main Street, Apt. 203, Jamestown, New York, passed away December 31, 2010, in Hertiage Park Rehab & Skilled Nursing.
A Salamanca resident most of her life, she was born December 11, 1932, in Jamestown, New York, the daughter of the late Leon and Irene Martin Wiltsie.
JoAnn attended schools in Jamestown, Brooklyn, and Salamanca, NY, graduating in 1950 from Salamanca High School.
She was employed by Parkview Super Market for 26 years before retiring in May of 2000.
JoAnn was a life member of Hughs Skiba Post #535 American Legion Auxiliary, Salamanca, where she served five terms as president; was Cattaraugus County President for the American Legion Auxiliary, and also served the 8th district as president. She also attended Our Lady of Loreto Catholic Church in Falconer.
She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, crafts, music, and crossword puzzles.
Surviving are three daughters, Lynn (Keith) Banes of Corpus Christi, Texas, Marcia (James) Skinner of Kennedy, NY, Michele (Michael) Kubiniec of San Jose, CA; seven grandchildren: Jason, Keith, and Sarah Banes; Adam, Alyssa, and Alec Skinner, and Ashley Kubiniec; seven great grandchildren: Zachary, Chelsey, Brooke, Jordan, Jessica, Kierah, and Emma; and several nieces, great nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George A. Rakus, whom she married September 18, 1959, in Franklin, KY, who passed away May 11, 1999. A brother David Wiltsie, who passed away in March of 1999.
Memorial visitation will be held on Friday, July 22, 2011, at the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York, at which time a memorial service will be held with Rev. Patrick Melfi, pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish, officiating.
Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Salamanca, New York.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Road, Jamestown, NY 14701.
E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com, or posted to facebook.com/onofh.
