Obituaries

Joann Gray

03/13/1967 - 07/22/2024

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Obituary For Joann Gray

Joann Gray, 57, of Danville, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday morning, July 22, 2024, after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born March 13, 1967, in Shamokin PA, the daughter of Joseph J. and RuthAnn C. Latsha Hojnacki.

Joann graduated from Shamokin High School in 1985 and graduated from Bloomsburg University in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Joann was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Danville, PA.

She is survived by the love of her life, Daniel T. "Danny" Gray, who stood by her side through thick and thin, a testament to the depth of their love and devotion to one another. They were married for 33 years, married on August 24, 1991.

She was beloved as the Senior Fitness Director at the Danville Area Community Center for 20 years. A devoted fitness director, she poured her heart and soul into her work, particularly cherishing the senior citizens who frequented her classes. Her commitment to their well-being and her infectious enthusiasm for healthy living left an indelible mark on all those whose lives she touched. Her warm smile and her kindness will be deeply missed by all the members and staff.

She enjoyed trips to Disney and beach trips with her family as well as relaxing by her pool. She loved to shop, and was well known for dressing with style, flair and a touch of class. A very selfless person, Joann loved entertaining her family and friends at her home. Her greatest enjoyment in life was spending time with Danny and Paige.

Joann's love knew no bounds, extending to her cherished daughter, Paige Victoria, of Philadelphia, PA, whom she adored with every fiber of her being. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering support created a bond that time nor distance could ever sever.

In addition to her husband and daughter, she is also survived by her brother, Damian and his wife Sheila of Coal Township, PA and one sister, Maureen Hojnacki of Allentown PA. Also surviving is her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Scott and Nikki Gray of North Carolina, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Walter and Traci of Bellevue, Nebraska and sister-in-law Becky Giannelli of Camp Hill, PA. She is also survived by three nephews: Hunter, Stephen and Riley and three nieces: Dayna, Sarah and Virginia.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be held Friday, July 26, 2024, at 1:00 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church 68 Center Street Danville PA with Father Timothy Marcoe as celebrant. Friends will be received from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM in St. Hubert Chapel. Burial will follow in All Saints Cemetery in Elysburg, PA.

Throughout her battle with pancreatic cancer, Joann faced each day with courage, grace, and unwavering strength. Her resilience and determination in the face of adversity served as an inspiration to all who knew her and was a gift to everyone she met.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Danville Area Community Center, 1041 Liberty Street, Danville, PA 17821 or online at www.danvilleacc.com under Joann Gray Memorial.

Arrangements are under the direction of Visneski Funeral Home, Inc., 42 W. Mahoning St., Danville, PA 17821. www.visneski.com.

Services

26 Jul

Viewing

11:00 AM - 12:45 PM

St. Hubert's Chapel @ St. Joseph Catholic Church 68 Center Street Danville, PA 17821 Get Directions »
26 Jul

Mass of Christian Burial

01:00 PM - 02:00 PM

St. Joseph Catholic Church 68 Center Street Danville, Pennsylvania 17821 Get Directions »
26 Jul

Final Resting Place

02:30 PM

All Saints Cemetery 172 All Saints Road Elysburg, PA 17824 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 07/29/2024

    Eve L Birmingham

    "FATE WHISPERS TO THE WARRIOR, YOU CAN NOT WITHSTAND THE STORM. THE WARRIOR WHISPERS BACK, I AM THE STORM"...That was Joann! With the Spirit of a warrior, and the perseverance of a champion, Joann always found sunshine in darkness and embraced life with joy, grace, compassion, and gratitude. She was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. Although she completed her circle much too soon and accomplished many things, Joann's greatest contribution was being a partner with her Soulmate Danny and raising their beautiful daughter, Paige. Knowing that Joann is now at peace, finding comfort in her loss is a challenge. I am reminded of a quote from Charlie Brown in "Lessons Learned In Life" where he is looking up to the Heavens/evening sky and says "perhaps they are not stars in the sky but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy." RIP Joann. Thank you for all the beautiful memories. I have a feeling Dr. Shah met you with open arms! Eve L. Birmingham 7/29/2024

  • 07/26/2024

    Martina Burns Jasiewicz

    Joann was such a wonderful light to the world. She always had a smile on her lovely face and a kind word for everyone. I will always remember her walking down the halls in high school in such fabulous fashions! She will be missed. My love and prayers to her family.

  • 07/26/2024

    Susan Blase

    Danny and Paige, our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. She will be missed by all. Larry and Sue Blase

  • 07/26/2024

    Roseann Noll

    Dear Dan, Paige and all of your family, It truly saddens me to hear Joann. Even though I haven't seen her in awhile, I will always remember her fondly. I met Joann when our daughters attended preschool together at DACC and through the many years of dance class. Throughout those years I found out we were from the same home town ( Joann graduated from high school with my husband's sister). We shared many chats about Shamokin life, caring for elderly parents, raising girls, cancer (I'm a cancer survivor) and health. She always emphasized to me the importance of healthy living and especially exercise to keep you strong ( words of wisdom I finally learned from cancer). I remember walking by the halls in DACC while she was teaching a senior class. She was so full of enthusiasm and life! No wonder so many people loved her! My deepest condolences to you all as you learn to navigate through life without her. But she will always be around in your memories and through the legacy she has left behind. Sincerely, Roseann and David Noll

  • 07/25/2024

    Jim McElwee

    I don't think I'll ever know a more beautiful spirit than Joann, we've been friends since grade school, she is already terribly missed. Jim McElwee

  • 07/25/2024

    Sandy Bauer

    Dan and family. I'm so very sorry for your loss. I remember working with with Joann at the Dacc and always loved her for her kindness and caring heart. May God give you and your family strength to get thru this difficult time. Will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. God bless all of your family

  • 07/25/2024

    Stacey Holland

    Danny, Paige, and extended family: My thoughts and prayers are with you. Joann was a wonderful person with a beautiful spirit and compassionate heart. I feel privileged to have known her. She has left a beautiful legacy. I pray God gives you a peace that passes all understanding. Love ~ Stacey Holland

  • 07/25/2024

    Mary Gail Smith

    I remember a 50th birthday parry that JoAnn organized for Maureen at Knoebels. I came with my sons and we had a great time. JoAnn was full of life and I'm very sorry for your loss. I know you will all miss her. Mary Gail Smith

  • 07/24/2024

    Ann Marie Stephens

    Danny and Paige, I am so sorry for your loss. Joann was always so beautiful, spirited and lively. She lit up the room wherever she went- DACC, Church, grocery stores. Joann will be missed by all. Peace and blessings. Ann Marie Stephens

  • 07/24/2024

    Irene & Frank

    We are so sorry to hear of Joann's passing. You and Paige are in our thoughts and prayers. RIP Joann.

  • 07/24/2024

    Lynn Dempsey

    I will always miss my fellow co-worker and Disney-lover. Sincere condolences Danny and Paige. All the great memories of Joann will forever be in your hearts. With thoughts and prayers, Lynn and Ed Dempsey

  • 07/23/2024

    Lesley yeich

    Dan and family - we are so saddened by this news. May she enjoy eternal rest with the lord. Our prayers and heartfelt condolences to you all. I loved volunteering with Joann and feel so lucky to have known her kind soul. May she rest in peace. - Lesley & Mike Yeich & family.

  • 07/23/2024

    Tracey gray

    Danny and Paige sorry to hear about Joann. She will be deeply missed by everyone. She was a good person and sister-in-law. Prayers to you all. Walt,Tracey ,Riley and Virginia

  • 07/23/2024

    Betsy McDermott

    Danny, I am so sorry to hear about Joann. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Betsy McDermott

Tributes

  • 8 TREES

    8 Trees were planted in memory of Joann Gray - 08/08/2024

  • 5 TREES

    Mary Gail Smith planted 5 trees in memory of Joann Gray . - 07/25/2024

  • 5 TREES

    Barb Rhoades planted 5 trees in memory of Joann Gray . - 07/24/2024

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