Janette Gavitt

Janette Marie Gavitt (nee Flint)

1936-2025

Janette Marie Gavitt, of South Canisteo, NY passed away on Saturday, October 25th in Rochester, New York. She was born and raised in Jasper, New York and graduated from Jasper Central in 1953. She was a cheerleader, played high school sports and a member of the first ladies triple trio formed at the school. Sports and music were early passions that remained with her throughout her life.

Janette spent her early adult years helping on the farm and taking care of her young family; six children in 10 years. She started playing piano and singing at local establishments on the weekends and developed a great reputation for her style and ability to play almost any song, She began cultivating the musical side in her children and soon the Drake Family became a touring group performing at several venues in the southern tier and northern Pennsylvania. She served in several churches as a church organist/pianist as well as teaching children's Sunday school.

In her later years, she started childcare and after-school daycare for several local children. Her ability to make bible stories come alive and demonstrate God's love allowed her to share Christ with so many children, many of whom made their own decisions for Christ. She would later work for 9 years as a caregiver for elderly home bound. Often she would take a small keyboard and play for the patients along with getting most of them to develop a love for baseball while watching the Atlanta Braves.

Janette was well known in the community as the quilt lady. She began making patchwork quilts for family members and it quickly grew to include local families in the community with need. She literally made dozens of quilts and afghans for families, often using sentimental clothing and scraps from the recipient. It made a personal keepsake and provided such joy.

Her devotion to her children and family was unwavering. But ultimately, her devotion to serving and following God was what made her a great lady. She loved reading, memorizing and sharing God's word. Janette fervently believed in prayer and became a prayer warrior for so many who shared needs and concerns. Her faith was unshakeable and it inspired so many around her. It gave her great joy that all of her children made personal commitments to follow Christ. She was truly an amazing woman of God.

She is survived by her caring husband of 48 years, Charles Gavitt; her seven children; Allen Drake of Greeneville Tennessee, Lorraine (Robert)Carr of Buffalo, New York, Kevin Drake of Newland, North Carolina, Charles (Ella)Drake of Eastvale, California, Barry (Karen) Drake of Irvine, California, Daniel Drake of Jasper, New York, Sonja (Daryl) Weepie of Yorba Linda, California; her stepchildren; Linda (Mark) Fitzgerald, Charles Gavitt, Jr., Bonnie (Joseph) Reidinger, James (Hui) Gavitt, Sr., David (Teri) Gavitt, Sr., Darlene (Russell) Cryer; her sister Marlene (Dennis) Friends of Woodhull, New York, her brother Duane (Sue} Flint of Jasper, New York along with her precious grandchildren and great grandchildren. Along with their family, Chuck and Janette had a special loving relationship with the Clark family of Jasper; Larry and Joyce and their three daughters, Stephanie, Ashley and Jenna. Janette was predeceased by her parents, Earl and Marie Flint, her brothers and sisters; Bessie, Madeline, Earl, Elijah "Red", Carl, Arnold, Dale, Sharon and Ronald. Janette also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and cherished friends.

Friends may call on Saturday, November 1st from 12 to 2 pm at the Bender- Brown and Powers funeral home at 6 Spruce Street in Canisteo, New York. A memorial service will follow at 2 pm officiated by Reverend Brian Diffenbacher. A private graveside service will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the food bank of the Southern Tier.