Joan M. (Gorton) Westfall

Joan M. Westfall, daughter of the late Claude and Lena Gorton, passed away January 22, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 29 at 10 AM at St. Patrick's Church, 97 West Bayard St., Seneca Falls. Burial to follow at St. Columbkille Cemetery.

Joan had recently celebrated her 94th birthday on December 29. She was born in Seneca Falls and spent most of her life in the town. She was an active and engaging person who shined in all she did. In high school she was a cheerleader and a prom queen catching the eye of her future husband, the late A. David Giovannini. They married in 1949 and raised six children. Joan was a great mother who supported her children in their endeavors but also raised them to be respectful as well as strong individuals. After the death of A. David in 1967, she took on the role of a single parent working outside the home. She started work as an administrative secretary at the Seneca Falls Hospital rising to the role of Human Resources Manager before taking on a similar role at Guaranteed Parts where she retired as the Human Resources Leader for the Seneca Falls and Kentucky plants. In 1969 she married Robert Westfall, the love of her life, who passed in 2019. They enjoyed traveling, working on various projects, and being with their extended family.

After retiring, she opened a craft shop in Auburn where she enjoyed making her button dolls and meeting people. Joan was also an avid sports fan following Syracuse University football and basketball as well as the Buffalo Bills up to her last days.

She was also known for her impeccable taste as well as her deep caring for those she worked with. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was always there to help.

Joan is survived by seven of her children and stepchildren; David (Erin) Giovannini, Daniel (Patricia) Giovannini, Paul Giovannini, Carol (Stanley) Burlingame, Jeff Westfall, Michael (Dee) Westfall and Ann Giovannini; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and two husbands, she was predeceased by her daughter, Claudia; grandson, Danny; and sister, Betty.

The family would like to thank the home aides, Luanne, Mary, Kelly and Lisa, that supported Joan over the last three years, as well as the staff at Huntington Living Center for the care shown to Joan in her last few days.