MIDDLEFIELD CENTER - Joanne M. La Valley, 59, of Middlefield Center, died Sunday night, November 6, 2011 at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.
She was born January 8, 1952 at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, a daughter of Rowan and Florence Anna ( Drake) Bresee.
Raised in Springfield, Joanne grew up on the farm of her grandfather, Ellis Drake, on Thurston Hill. She attended school in Springfield, but left during her high school years to go to work.
Throughout her life Joanne possessed a strong love for animals and was especially fond of horses. This passion led to her career as an animal breeder during which time she bred and raised many miniature horses and donkeys. She was also an extremely talented painter in both portraiture and other mediums and enjoyed doing craft work.
Joanne will be missed by her husband of 40 years, Roger T. La Valley of Middlefield Center; three sisters, Deborah Noseworthy and her husband Gerald of Canajoharie, Linda Bresee of Edmeston and Valerie Mead and her husband Bernard of Cherry Valley; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
With respect for Joanne's wishes, there will be no services.
As a way of honoring Joanne's love of animals, please consider making a gift in her memory to the Susquehanna SPCA, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
She was born January 8, 1952 at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, a daughter of Rowan and Florence Anna ( Drake) Bresee.
Raised in Springfield, Joanne grew up on the farm of her grandfather, Ellis Drake, on Thurston Hill. She attended school in Springfield, but left during her high school years to go to work.
Throughout her life Joanne possessed a strong love for animals and was especially fond of horses. This passion led to her career as an animal breeder during which time she bred and raised many miniature horses and donkeys. She was also an extremely talented painter in both portraiture and other mediums and enjoyed doing craft work.
Joanne will be missed by her husband of 40 years, Roger T. La Valley of Middlefield Center; three sisters, Deborah Noseworthy and her husband Gerald of Canajoharie, Linda Bresee of Edmeston and Valerie Mead and her husband Bernard of Cherry Valley; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
With respect for Joanne's wishes, there will be no services.
As a way of honoring Joanne's love of animals, please consider making a gift in her memory to the Susquehanna SPCA, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.
