Joan Ann Gefre

Joan Ann Gefre, 93, of Rotterdam, NY, passed away peacefully on December 6th, 2025 at Ellis Hospital surrounded by loved ones. Born on June 6th, 1932, in Tupper Lake, NY, she was the daughter of the late Jennie and Edward Hache.

Joan Ann was a beacon of love and kindness. Her sweet and caring demeanor made her a beloved figure in her family. She was a woman of deep and unwavering faith, who found joy in praying for others, an act that showcased her selfless nature and her deep compassion. She carried a heart full of compassion and kindness, always putting others before herself.

Throughout her life, Joan Ann cherished spending time with her family, creating countless memories filled with laughter and love. She also had a passion for traveling and taking her camper to Florida yearly. Her greatest accomplishment, however, was her role as a caring mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, all titles she held with pride and love.

Joan Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Jennie and Edward Hache, and her daughter-in-law, Beverly Conto. She is survived by her husband, of 47 years, Andrew Gefre; sister, Arlene Balasco; her children, Thomas Conto, Jr., and Dennis (June) Conto; her nieces and nephews; her grandchildren, Angela (Taylor) Horvath, Gina (Jason) Ralston, Deanna (Jeff) Francisco, Julie Mercoglan, Elise Conto, Deidre (Michael) Conto, Dennis (Candance) Conto, Jr. and Dylan (Izabella) Conto; as well as her cherished great-grandchildren.

The family invites you to join them in honoring Joan Ann's life on Monday, December 15th, 2025, with Calling Hours from 4-6pm at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, Rotterdam, NY.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 16th, 2025, at 10:30am at St. Madeleine Sophie Church. Burial will be held privately for the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan Ann's name to the ASPCA or to St. Madeleine Sophie Church, an act that would honor her love for animals and her deep faith.

Joan Ann's absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but her legacy of kindness, love, and dedication to her family will continue to inspire us. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know and love her. The footprint she left on this world will never be forgotten, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of all those she touched.