Obituary of Joanne Risley Small

Joanne Risley Small, age 81, of Rome, NY passed away on Monday, February 29, 2016 after an extended illness. Joanne was born June 27, 1934 in Utica, NY, the daughter of James Brucker and Stella Czarnecki Brucker. She attended Utica schools and went on to graduate from the State University of New York, Oswego with a Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1956. After graduation Joanne taught 5th grade in the New York Mills school district, near where she had grown up. On November 30, 1958 Joanne married Allen F. Risley of Clinton, NY, and they settled in Clinton to start a family. After the births of daughter Susan and son Allen James, the family moved to Titusville, FL as Allen F. began a career with NASA. Joanne returned to the classroom, teaching 2nd and 3rd grade at Coquina Elementary School in Titusville until her retirement. Joanne remained an active member of the Beta Sigma Phi teacher's sorority, Zeta Master chapter. Once they became empty-nesters, Joanne and Allen F. returned to their beloved Central New York, resettling in the Delta Lake area of Rome. Joanne made a comfy home for them, with a beautiful garden, room for pets and plenty of bird feeders, which Allen F. enjoyed with her until his passing in 1998. On September 4, 1999 Joanne married Harold R. Small of Clinton, NY, who joined her at home in Rome. Joanne and Harold spent ten happy years together, exploring the local countryside, reading and doting on their pets until Harold's passing in 2009. Joanne is survived by her daughter, Susan Risley Hamilton of Melbourne, FL; her son Allen James Risley of San Marcos, CA; grandchildren Allen J. Risley, Jr. and Katie Risley of San Marcos, CA; her sister Mary Jane Bader of Anchorage, AK and her daughters-in-law Laurel King of Clinton, NY and Kenna Small of Yarmouth, ME. Joanne was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Brucker of Westmoreland, NY. A graveside service will be held at 11am on June 20, 2016 at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Clinton, NY. Arrangements are being handled by Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service in Clinton, NY.