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.