Obituary of Elizabeth Ann West

Elizabeth Ann (Gioia) West of Canastota, NY went home peacefully on July 14th, 2023 as the sun shined brightly off Oneida Lake. 
Liz was born to Rose Daidone Gioia & Joseph Charles Gioia on June 20th, 1947 in Brooklyn NY.  Liz received her BA in Elementary Ed. from Oneonta State in 1969 & her Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Oswego State.  Liz was a woman with true joy & passion for education and working in the classroom with children.  Liz began her journey as a second grade teacher in Chittenango in the Fall of 1969.   Liz later took a job at East Syracuse Minoa to work at her children's home district as a kindergarten teacher.  Liz formed many close bonds with colleagues, students, and families.  When Liz retired she took on two more passions, her grandchildren & her car racing. Liz joined The Corvette Club and began racing at ESTA.  Over the years Liz would evolve as a racer with more complex vehicles and racing in tougher categories.  Liz raced & cared for her family until she couldn't possibly anymore. 
Liz is survived by her brother Dr. Philip Gioia of Auburn, NY; her daughter Sarah West of Minoa; her son Brian West (Jody West) of Clay, NY; several nieces and nephews; Liz's grandchildren: Keturah West, Amalia West, Landon West, Nathan West, and Kylie West; her partner since 2008 & dedicated care taker Jim Smith; her dedicated nurse and best friend Rachel;  and last, but not least Butch, Liz's cat and faithful companion. 
A memorial service will be held at 10am on Friday, July 21 in the Dewitt Community Church with burial to follow in Dewitt Cemetery.
Online condolences, www.shepardsonfh.com.