Joan (Wright) Ames

Joan Ames, 89 (Born 9/30/1931 Syracuse, NY), of Syracuse, Cortland and Indian Lake, NY passed from this Earth on New Year’s Day, 2019, from complications of ALZ. She was predeceased by her parents, Clark and Gladys (Ferguson) Wright, her sister Patricia (Wright) Torrez and her brother Wallace Wright. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Lawrence F. Ames, her sister, Nancy (Wright) Ryan, children Lawrence C. Ames of Newark Valley, NY, Jonathan C. (& Michelle) Ames of Vestal, NY and Susan T. Ames-Light (& David Light) of Tuscon, AZ, and grandchildren Danielle Ames, Jonathan Light, Timmothy Ames, Katheryn (Ames) Bobseine and Dr. Alexandra Ames.

Joan graduated from Onondaga Valley High School, Syracuse, NY and attended the Syracuse School of Business.  She was a master of English composition, diction, office administration and the social graces. She worked professionally as a court stenographer and secretary and retired from the Cortland City School District having managed the business office and served as Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools. Among her accomplishments at the District office, she demonstrated to a field service engineer that she could type faster than the then-newest electric typewriter could process and she prided herself in typing the minutes for school district meetings as the meetings took place so attendees left with them in hand. In addition to her career, she kept a very well decorated and tidy house, cared for her husband and loved and raised their children.  Among many pursuits Joan loved singing, dancing, gardening and flowers, boating, camping, driving motorcycles, sports cars, horses, and playing with children. 

She volunteered wherever possible. She co-chaired the Cortland Hospital Aid Society Charity Ball and danced and sang in the chorus line for the event’ show for years.  Joan also served as a Cub Scout Den Mother, was the first female member of the Boy Scouts Tioughnioga Council Executive Board, raised two Eagle Scouts and was the wife of a Scoutmaster. Joan was an excellent cook who made many apple pies for bake sales and her pies were so good they were often purchased before she had them baked.

Joan Ames made her mark on this world and it is a better place for having had her in it.

Our family thanks the staff of Elderwood Nursing Home in North Creek, NY for their skilled and loving care.  In lieu of flowers or gifts, please take an opportunity to help someone in need as she would. Please sign her online guestbook at www.HEFUNERALHOME.com

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