Obituary of Waneta A. Shoemaker

TROUPSBURG: Waneta A. Shoemaker, 92, passed away peacefully at home in Troupsburg, New York on Thursday, February 1, 2024. She was born at her grandmother Seeley’s house in Westfield, Pennsylvania on March 9, 1931. She was the eldest daughter of the late Harvey and Atha (Seeley) Lewis. Waneta married Eldon G. Gunn in Troupsburg on May 12, 1947 and they were together for 31 years. April 23, 1978 Waneta and Otis were invited to dinner at her sister Joyce’s house where they met for the first time. They eloped and married on September 6, 1978 in York, South Carolina. For 44 years, they made their home in Rochester, New York before relocating to Troupsburg to be near family. Waneta was an exceptionally warm, vibrant and loving woman. She was devoted to her family and greeted all visitors with a hug and a kiss, whether she knew you well or not. She worked a total of 16 years and 1 month at Westinghouse in Bath, New York making first components for TV tubes and then mercury vapor lamps. She said she felt it was important for a woman to make her own money and know the worth of a dollar. During a 2 year lay off she helped to take care of her father after he became ill and was grateful for the opportunity to get to know him better as an adult. Otis and Waneta spend many years camping and traveling the country. They worked the Camper Assistance Program (CAP) during the summer months in western New York, frequently traveled to Missouri to visit with Otis’s family, and wintered in Florida for many years. Waneta was a voluminous letter writer and kept up with the many friends she and Otis made. Waneta is survived by her sister Doris Balcer of Savona, children Lorraine (Stewart Allen) McNeill of Lindley, Rick (Theresa) Gunn of Troupsburg, daughters-in-law Sandy and Wanda Gunn of Troupsburg, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by spouses Eldon Gunn and Otis Shoemaker, children Linda Sawyer, Jerry and Terry Gunn, infant sons Jan Michael and Scott Glee, siblings Joyce Plank, Jocelyn Deats, Harvey Lewis, Jr. and half-brother Clair “Jimmy” Lewis. Waneta will be cremated and interred at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Troupsburg at a later date. At her request, there will be no services at this time. Thank you to both family members and home health care aides Monique and Lisa for taking care of Waneta, making it possible for her to remain in her home with dignity. Memorial contributions in Waneta’s name may be made to either the Finger Lakes SPCA or to the Troupsburg, Vol. Fire Dept. Arrangements are in care of the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.