Obituary of Joann E. Dyer

Joann Elizabeth Dyer, 84, of Berkshire, NY passed away Sunday, August 13, 2023 at home surrounded by her family. She was predeceased by her parents, Madge E. (Vargason) and Walter Kishpaugh; siblings, Richard Benjamin, Raymond George Benjamin, Joyce Gyles, Wallace Benjamin, Theresa Smith. Joann is survived by her adoring husband of 60 years, Dennis E. Dyer; beloved children, Christine M. (Gary) Gardner, Walter R. (Delilah) Dyer, Denise "Dee Dee" E. Dyer (Scott Jobe), Joanna L. Dyer-DeCator; seven grandchildren, Athena, Kristopher, Andrea, Jeffrey, Donovan, Camden, Kennidy; eight great-grandchildren, Leah, Madaline, Stormi, Kiersten, Chloe, Declan, Ashlan, Bianca; one great-great-granddaughter, Emmah; two brothers, Edmund Benjamin (Charlotte), Clinton Benjamin (Mary); special friends, Shirley Bean, Grace Howland; several nieces, nephews and dear friends. Joann was born in 1939 in Johnson City, NY. She was one of eight children. Joann attended Tioga Center and Owego Free Academy until the 9th grade when a sickness of Scarlet Fever set her back and she chose not to complete formal education. She worked to support herself and her daughter, Christine, who was born in 1958. Joann met the love of her life, Dennis Dyer, in 1962, while working at Endicott Johnson Shoe Factory. They were married the following year and raised her 4 year old daughter, Christine. They grew their family by two more children, Walter and Dee Dee, while living on Boswell Hill, Union, NY. They moved to Berkshire, NY on a 13 acre farm in 1969. Here Joann worked side by side with Den to renovate the farmhouse into their home, "the Dyer's Funny Farm". Together they had beef cows, chickens, pigs and produced a large garden to feed their growing family. Joanna was born in 1972 to complete the family, that continued to grow with their grandchildren who she cherished. Joann worked as a kindergarten aide for the Newark Valley School District and part-time at George's Greenhouse. Joann's hobbies included: quilting, sewing, reading, garden-canning, fishing, flowers, bowling, refinishing, and wintering in Eustis, FL. Joann was very community minded and participated with the following clubs and organizations: Newark Valley Quilters Club, Southern Tier Microd Club (founding member), Home Bureau, Berkshire History Buffs (founding member) Northern Tioga Roki, Cir-Q-Laters (Square Dancing Club), Berkshire United Methodist Church, Forest Hills United Methodist Church, Newark Valley Historical Society, Evergreen Cemetery Association (Treasurer), Pine Hills Women's Club and Senior Citizens. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 19th at 10:00 at the Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home, 15 Park St., Owego, NY with Pastor Paul Kunik, officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery, Endicott, NY at a date to be determined by the family. The family will receive friends Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Joann E. Dyer's memory to: Stray Haven Humane Society, 194 Shapard Rd, Waverly, NY 14892. Condolences may be made to Joann's family at www.emfaheyfuneralhome.com.