Ann G. Gotwals

November 3, 1943 - May 15, 2022

Griswold Funeral Home On May 15, 2022, after a three-year neurodegenerative illness, Ann Elizabeth Gillis Gotwals, 78, of Schenectady, N.Y., died peacefully at home. She is survived by her husband of nearly 57 years, Joseph Wells Gotwals, Junior, who was her loyal caregiver in recent years; her daughter, Amy Elizabeth Gotwals of Takoma Park, MD.; her son, David Gillis Gotwals (Amelia Wenk Gotwals) of Brighton, MI.; her four precious grandchildren, Charles Hill Wajda-Gotwals, 17, and Ruth Elizabeth Wajda-Gotwals, 14, and James Wenk Gotwals, 14, and Daniel Gillis Gotwals, 12; her sister Jane Gillis Grunstra (Neal Grunstra) of Reston, VA.; many siblings-in-law, nieces, nephews; and a longstanding group of dear friends she cherished. She was preceded in death by her parents, Max Price Gillis and Ruth Elizabeth Amos Gillis. Ann was born in November 1943 in Harrisburg, PA., where she was raised and met her husband Joe at Central Dauphin High School. She earned a B.A. in education from Shippensburg University, married her longtime love on June 19, 1965 and began an elementary school teaching career. The couple moved to Schenectady in 1967 and purchased their first (and current) home in 1971 in Niskayuna, and happily raised their two children in a friendly neighborhood. Ann worked full-time as a teacher at Craig Elementary School until Amy arrived in 1969. Ann was an enthusiastic stay-at-home mother who loved caring for and spending time with Amy and David and later, their children. She was not, however, as passionate about the cooking and cleaning aspects of the job, so she stayed active in the community, including volunteering with the American Association of University Women and the First Reformed Church of Schenectady. Ann was also a stalwart supporter of Joe’s long volunteer career in Boy Scouting, which as any Scouting widow knows, is no small feat—from tolerating tents in the dining room to helping staff the door at Cub Scout meetings, she was always helpful and patient. With her children grown, Ann re-entered the work force, serving as an admissions recruiter for several institutions, including Union College, as well as working at Honingsbaum’s dress shop. She increased her already long involvement in First Church, ultimately serving as a leader in the Stephen Ministry program there. To her family, it seemed like every Sunday she was delivering flowers to an ill, homebound or isolated member of the congregation. With those years of informal experience, Ann was a natural Stephen Minister, supporting those who needed spiritual support and counsel. As a person, Ann was gentle, kind, forgiving, patient, loyal, a great listener and, above all else, loving. She adored lunches with her women friends and delighted in family gatherings (where she’s usually wanted to call everyone who wasn’t there to further extend the joy!). She liked to photograph family events thoroughly, if blurrily, because she knew that being with people you love was incredibly special and shouldn’t be taken for granted. She also loved reading, pretzels with chocolate ice cream, a good nap, someone else cooking dinner, beautiful music, and, on special occasions, a whisky sour. Ann—and her warm and wide smile that made the recipient feel like a million bucks—will be missed by everyone who knew her. A celebration of Ann’s life will be held on Monday, June 6 at 11:00 am at First Reformed Church of Schenectady, 8 North Church Street. A light lunch will follow so that friends and family can reminisce and be together—her favorite activity. RSVPs for the luncheon are appreciated; email [email protected] In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ann’s name to the Stephen Ministry Fund of First Reformed Church in Schenectady, N.Y.