Joana Overton, 69, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2018. A thirty-year resident of Hamilton, NY, Joana was born on April 5, 1949 in Warwick, NY to Walter and Margaret (LeClair) Gust and was the oldest of their four children. She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Deborah Gust. Joana is a 1967 graduate of Middletown Senior High School and earned her RN through SUNY Orange in 1976. Joana developed a strong love for children in her youth that directed her life's path. She gave her time, talent and determination to a multitude of people and causes. Joana retired from the Hamilton Central School District in 2011 where she had been the School Nurse for nineteen years. She was more than band-aids and ice packs. She advised after school efforts that helped students and parents understand and cope with health threats and current issues. Her day to day approaches to school care were always child-focused. She brought in speakers that clarified the serious nature of HIV and suicide. She was a person who listened to what the children were saying. Joana was always community-minded and endeavored to make a difference. She began a nursery school, she educated women who were incarcerated to help them learn parenting skills to care for their children. She brought lead screenings for children in areas where homes were not cared for. Her devotion to those in need was unwavering and somewhat unorthodox. She ruffled feathers and rattled the routine. Joana loved dogs. She attracted them and had several "once-in-a-lifetime" favorites that trailed along by her side. She ran with them and completed several half-marathons and completed the Marine Corps Marathon at the age of 50. She trained a therapy dog and went to libraries, schools, churches and nursing homes so she could share him with others.Gardening was a love of hers that made her home beautiful all year long. Colors were forth-coming in flowery rhythms from early spring until full blown winter.Joana's greatest love and joy was her family. She urged them to be active, curious and to love what they did. Her deep faith in Jesus was her devotion and light as she grew older. Her family knows she is with Him now. She is survived by her husband, Timothy, of Hamilton, NY who was her best friend and the love of her life. They were married for 41 years. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her two loving children, Jodie Maassen-Waizenegger and her husband, Matthew of Pine Bush, NY and Jesse Overton and his partner, Ingrid of Yuma, AZ. She is also survived by her granddaughter, Zoe Waizenegger, to whom she was devoted, and many loving and loyal friends. Calling hours will be Thursday, November 15, 2018 from 3-6 p.m. at Paul Funeral Home in Madison, NY. A service to celebrate Joana's life will be held at the funeral home immediately following. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests people consider a donation in Joana's memory to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or Catholic Charities of New York.www.stjude.orgwww.catholiccaritiesny.orgVisitationThursday, November 15, 2018 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Paul Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Madison
3592 South Street Madison 13402, United States
ServiceThursday, November 15, 2018 6:00 PM
Paul Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Madison
3592 South Street Madison 13402, United States