JoAnn Elliott

Bergen - JoAnn Elliott (Cookie), a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 29th, 2026, at the age of 82. She was born on Saturday, November 13th, 1943, in Batavia.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, Hiram and Viola Brynarski Goundrey, siblings, Robert and Michelle and her beloved spouse, Paul Nesbitt Sr., who passed on November 3, 2009.

She is survived by her devoted daughters, Lynn Allen of Batavia and Melissa (Brian) Stringham of Stafford. JoAnn was a proud grandmother to Elaina Stringham, Kaylei Allen, Zachary (Meghan) Allen and great-grandmother to Hayden and Ryatt Allen, who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her sister, Donna (Rick) von Kramer. JoAnn shared 12 joyful years with her companion, Craig Wilcox, and leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Amy Burdick and Shianne Hargrave for their care and compassion for our mother.

JoAnn's academic journey led her to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in business education from SUNY Albany, followed by a Master's Degree in education from SUNY Geneseo. Her professional career was marked by her role as an Executive Secretary at Jones Chemicals in LeRoy, New York. In addition, JoAnn shared her passion for education by teaching in Holley and Batavia. A member of the East Bethany Presbyterian Church, JoAnn served as a former organist of the church.

Friends may call on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 2 pm to 5 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. She will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, donations in JoAnn's memory may be made to East Bethany Presbyterian Church or Genesee Cancer Assistance.