Joanne M. Brereton

Joanne M. (Drake) Brereton, 70, passed away surrounded by her family at Chenango Memorial Hospital on Sunday, November 15, 2015, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Joanne was born in Norwich, NY on July 11, 1945 to Gordon and Virginia (Hawley) Drake. She was a graduate of Norwich High School and Syracuse University. She earned her master’s degree in education from SUNY Oneonta. Joanne taught mathematics at Hamilton High School for twenty years while raising her first four daughters. On November 21, 1992, she married Dr. John Brereton, who survives. Joanne was an active member of the Norwich community, serving on the auxiliary of Chenango Memorial Hospital and the Board of Trustees at the UCC First Congregational Church of Norwich.

She enjoyed spending time in the Adirondacks with her family and was a gifted crafter, quilter and knitter. The most precious aspect of her life was lovingly caring for her family as a wife, mother, step-mother and Nana.

Joanne leaves behind her loving husband, Jack, and their children and spouses, Ann and John Fortin of East Greenbush, NY, Amy and Mark Barrett of Manlius, NY, Sue and Rich Ross of Sitka, AK, Mary Ann and Aaron Keene of Norwich, Justin Brereton, Anne Brereton and Adam French of Montpelier, VT as well as Mary and Chris Miner of Norwich; eleven dearly loved grandchildren also survive. She also leaves behind her two brothers, Thomas Drake and his wife, Sandra, of Simpsonville, SC and James Drake and his wife, Lynn, of Norwich. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

In celebration of her life, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, November 20, 2015 at the United Church of Christ First Congregational Church with Rev. Joseph Connolly, pastor and teacher, officiating. There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Joanne may be made to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790 or to the Food Pantry of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 37 West Main St., Norwich, NY 13815.