Jo Ann Schoonmaker, 70, of the town of Ulster
TOWN OF ULSTER
» Jo Ann Schoonmaker, 70, passed away after a long illness on March 20, 2018, at Northern Dutchess Hospital.
Jo Ann was born on Nov. 11, 1947, in Kingston. She was the daughter of the late Vivian “Schooch” Schoonmaker and the late Anna Margaret (Brown) Deyo.
JoAnn worked for several years at Expert Awning and Drapery Co. and Mike’s Used Furniture before venturing out and starting her own business, Aztex New & Used Office Furniture, which she ran for over 20 years before retiring.
Jo Ann found great joy in her garden; knitting and crocheting; was creative and often put her own style to various projects/crafts. She loved fishing, hunting and Sunday rides garage sale-ing with Sank. Jo Ann was a local historian and enjoyed being an active member of the local Kaaterskill Postcard Club. Jo Ann was an amazingly strong and independent woman.
Jo Ann is survived by her husband of 49 years, John Senkowicz of town of Ulster; her son, John Planthaber of Lake Katrine; daughter, Melissa Van Tassel of Saugerties; granddaughter, Danielle Gibson and her husband Dan of Coxsackie; two great-grandchildren Ethan and Mason of Coxsackie; brother, John Schoonmaker of Kingston; and sisters, Margie Short and her husband, Butch of Ulster Park, Patti Grobstein and her husband, Bruce of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Darlene Shumen and her husband, Donald of the town of Ulster; sister-in-law Loretta Wrinn, Cortland N.Y.;, brother-in-law, William his wife Joan Senkowicz, Clayton N.Y.; and Mr. K, her cat. Many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
Besides her parents, Joann was predeceased by her brothers, Kenneth James “KJ” Deyo of Kingston and Vincent Schoonmaker of Kingston.
Arrangements are under the guidance of Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home Inc., 27 Smith Ave., Kingston (www.jvleahyfh.com). Private services will be held for the family.
Heartfelt thanks to niece Kimberly Short for all her efforts and care in Jo Ann’s last years; Town of Ulster EMS responding on many occasions; and all the staff at Northern Dutchess Hospital (Housekeeping, Dietary, Nursing, Doctors); Dr. Anderson and office staff for the many appointments and phone calls; your professionalism and kindness made a difference. Thank you staff of Hudson Valley Hospice for your guidance easing Jo Ann’s final journey.