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Ann Gavenda

By Joshua Smith

Ann Gavenda, 88, of Elba, passed away on September 14, 2022, at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing in Batavia.

Ann was born January 27, 1934, in Batavia, a daughter of the late Irving and Margaret (Carroll) Warboys. A devoted and influential member of the Elba community - where she lived with her husband, Donald, for their 69 years of marriage - Ann was the first woman to volunteer as a first responder with the Elba Volunteer Fire Department. She continued to give back to her community throughout her life, serving as Town Clerk for 16 years, as a Boy Scout Leader, and as a driving force in the planning and fundraising behind the relocation of the historic Griffin House.

Family and friends fondly recall Ann’s love of baseball and of her Muckdogs in particular, a lifelong passion sparked when she attended the very first professional game played by the Batavia Clippers in 1939.

Ann is survived by Donald; her children, Peggy (Randy Cole) Jayme, Donald Gavenda, Paul (Tammy) Gavenda, and Gary (Sue) Gavenda; grandchildren, Phillip Gavenda, Donna (Tony) Betancourt, Cody Gavenda, Meredith Jayme, Madeleine Jayme and Bailey Gavenda; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Rob Warboys; sisters, Gretchen (Charles) Duffy and Jane (Patrick) Augello; brother-in-law, Walt Gavenda and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her son, Thomas Gavenda and sisters, Sally Peyrebrune and Judith Spieler.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue in Oakfield, where services will be held at 12:00 p.m. also on Friday.  Ann will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Elba Historical Society, c/o Earl Roth, 4695 Barrville Road, Elba, NY 14058.  

Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

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