Born in 1935 in Batavia NY, Jeanette Marie (Mancuso) Gerace lived a long, beautiful life that began growing up in her hometown of Batavia, NY as the daughter of Lawrence and Irene (Centanni) Mancuso, attending St. Mary’s College and Mercyhurst College, then as a beloved teacher of English at Batavia Junior High. She married her husband, Dr. Paul Gerace of Batavia, and they lived in Rochester for many years during Paul’s career at Xerox.
Jeanette embraced her role as a wife and mother and made her family’s home one where all were welcome and showered with hospitality. She enthusiastically volunteered her time for her children’s schools, always willing to take the lead in fundraising, event planning, and family reunions. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome and special, and no one entered her home without being fed or pampered. She was a devoted and self-sacrificing caretaker for her children, husband, and parents as they grew older. She was a devoted parishioner and Sodality member at St. Joseph’s Parish. Her home was the setting for many celebrations, home cooked meals, and parties, where all were welcome. She and Paul retired in Batavia, NY, and enjoyed traveling in winters to visit their grandchildren in Tampa. After living 84 years up north, she joined her daughter’s family in Tampa, FL, where she spent the last six and a half years, gracefully and determinedly coping with dementia. Beloved by all, she passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025.
She was predeceased by her husband, Paul Gerace, her siblings Charles and Doris Mancuso, and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Patricia (Gerace) and Jim Cunningham.
She will be dearly missed by her daughter, Maria (John) Hoffman, Christopher (Jennifer) Gerace, grandchildren Justin, Jake, and Jacqueline Hoffman, Stephen and Anna Gerace, sisters-in-law Eileen Gerace, Jane Gerace, Deborah Jo Mancuso, and brother-in-law Thomas Gerace, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
The family would also like to thank the amazing care team at Beach House in Wesley Chapel, who loved her like family during her lengthy journey. Jeanette would often be seen dancing through the halls and lit up a room wherever she went.
There will be no prior calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday May 28th at 9:30a.m. at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph’s Church) 303 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020 followed by burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery and a Reception at Terry Hills.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Sisters of Mercy, 1437 Blossom Road, Rochester NY 14610, and honor Jeanette’s memory by small acts of kindness to those in need. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.
