Johanna O'Meara, fondly known as Gramma to many, passed into God's eternal hands on Saturday February 15, 2020 at the Abraham House in Rome.

Johanna was born on September 29, 1940 to John and Matilda (Gaus) Purta in Scranton, Pennsylvania.  She married Peter O'Meara and had 2 beautiful girls whom she loved more than life. In 1971, she moved to Old Forge, PA to be closer to her family.  There she raised her daughters in a small town community in which they all thrived. Upon her retirement from the Acute Care Psychiatric Hospital in Clark Summit Hospital, she moved to Westmoreland, NY, to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She attended Hecla Hall, the Little White Church on the Hill, in Westmoreland  and made many special friends who stayed with her throughout her remaining years.

She is survived by her beloved children, Kathleen O'Meara of Westmoreland, NY Patrice O'Meara Taurisano of Yorkville, NY, Son in Law, Tony Taurisano of Westmoreland, NY,  and her wonderful friend, Marie McNamara of New Hartford, NY.   Her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren, Jennifer and John Taylor, and their son Jacob, of Fayetteville, NY, TJ and Ashley Shannon-Taurisano and their son Carson of Annapolis, Maryland, Charles Purta of Dupont, PA, Helen Bulford of Pennsylvania, Diane Zurowski of Pennsylvania, Jack and Joan Devereaux, Scranton, PA    She is also survived by her "adopted granddaughter" Grace McNamara and her parents Dan and Marie McNamara, along with their two other children Alison and Sarah Hearty.

Johanna was a strong, loving and special person. She gave so much of herself to everyone she loved or cared about.  She was always there for her children and grandchildren as they were the loves of her life and she adored them. She was a very important part of their lives

The family would like to express sincere thanks to Beth Cable at the Presbyterian Home, who was always there for Johanna, as well as the Abraham House in Rome, NY, who made her final hours comfortable, Natalie Raymond of Vermont, Margaret Krappa of Old Forge, PA,  Gerry Guzi  of Scranton, PA, Chuck Thaler, and Phyllis and Carlton Kitchen of Westmoreland, NY, for all the kindness and care bestowed to Johanna in her final years.

By Johanna's request, there will be no calling hours or memorial services. There will be a service dedicated to Gramma at Hecla Church, Westmoreland, NY at 10 O'clock on Sunday, March 29,2020. Arrangements are under the guidance of the John L. Matt Funeral Home,Chadwick-New Hartford,NY

"There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved."

And Johanna was so loved!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration of a donation to Abraham House, Rome, NY.

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