Joan A. Gillis

Joan A. Bracchi Gillis, 74, passed away peacefully late Tuesday evening at the home of her daughter Sue in the loving company of her family. Born in Amsterdam where she resided her entire life, she was the daughter of the late Phillip and Edith Sandy Bracchi and was a graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School. Joan was a home maker caring for her family until they were grown. She was later employed at Steve's Hot Dogs, Mohawk Sportswear and retired after twenty years as a dietary aide for St. Mary's Hospital. She enjoyed cooking. Family was an important part of her life especially spending time with her grandchildren. She was of the Roman Catholic faith. She leaves her children; Dawn M. Charles Smullen, Susan A. Anthony Verde all of Amsterdam and Christopher A. Janet Gillis of Chesterfield, Va.; grandchildren Justin Hix, Devin Smullen, Ariel Smullen, Connor Verde and Zachary Verde; sister Ann Sal Sasso; brothers John Josephine Bracchi and Philip Bracchi all of Amsterdam; sister in law Patricia Bracchi; her former husband Robert Gillis as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents, her granddaughter Kristen Gillis, sister Sarah Stark, brothers Joseph and Robert Bracchi and her companion Dominick "Red" Corapi predeceased her. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Saturday at 9:00 am at St. Stanislaus' Church, Cornell Street. The Rev. O. Robert DeMartinis, celebrant. Cremation will follow at Vale Crematory, Schenectady. Relatives and friends are invited to call Friday from 4-7 pm at the Betz, Rossi and Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue. Memorials may be made in Joan's name to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in lieu of flowers. Envelopes available at the funeral home.