Joyce C. Gunther

OLEAN — Joyce C. Gunther, 91, passed away peacefully Wednesday (Feb. 25, 2026) at The Pines Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center of Olean, after a long and fulfilling life.

Born Dec. 29, 1934, in Boston, she was one of seven children born to Vernon and Eulalia Schmitt Gates. On July 26, 1958, at St. Mary’s Church in New Oregon, she married Dr. Albert F.X. Gunther, who predeceased her Nov. 29, 2004.

Joyce grew up in North Collins and graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Buffalo.

She began working as a registered nurse with Mercy Hospital, where she met her future husband, Dr. Albert Gunther. They moved to Olean, where she joyously raised her 10 children.

She worked for a number of years for the former BonTon Department Store in Olean, from which she retired.

She kept busy welcoming each grandchild and great-grandchild into the family and expressed her love for them in many ways including crocheting each a blanket. She loved all crafts and did needlepoint as well. Many outside the family have been given gifts of a crocheted blanket which have served as a reminder of her caring nature.

She and her husband were longtime members of St. Bonaventure Church and were active in its various ministries.

She leaves behind her 10 children, Matthew Gunther of Olean, Timothy (Robyn) Gunther of Bergen, Madonna (John) Warters of Elkton Md., Margaret (William) Gilroy Jr. of Olean, Susan (Ronald) Pfeiffer of Olean, Nancy (Daniel) Martin of Olean, Bonnie (Michael) Shewairy of Marana, Ariz., Michael (Stephanie) Gunther of Temecula, Calif., David Gunther of Olean and Kevin (Angela) Gunther of Amherst; 33 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one sister, Rosie Baker of Florida; one brother, Herman Gates of Milwaukee, Wis.; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband; two brothers, James Gates and Daniel Gates; and two sisters, Constance Plandowski and Sr. Kathryn Gates.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday (March 5, 2026) at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Road, Olean. A prayer service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday (March 6, 2026) in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Bonaventure Church.  Pastor David Tourville will be the celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Bonaventure Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Bonaventure Church, 95 E. Main St., Allegany, NY 14706; or to The Warming House, C/O Alice Miller Nation, Director, University Ministries, P.O. Box AR. St. Bonaventure, NY 14778.