JoAnn Fay Carpenter

JoAnn loved her family and friends dearly. Her love, and smile brought out the best in the people that knew her, inspiring them to spread that love. JoAnn Carpenter who was born, and raised in Ithaca, NY, passed quietly in her sleep at the age of 87 on October 27, 2025 at Robert Packard Hospital in Sayre, PA.

JoAnn was born in Ithaca, NY on December 7, 1937 to Fabian Bernard Cooper, and Lillian Belle Baker. Remembering her parents, JoAnn told stories of how her father, Fabian was a conductor of trains on the Lehigh Valley Railroad and a mechanic, and her mother Lillian was a nurse in the local hospital. JoAnn grew up in the Fall Creek neighborhood of Ithaca attending school at the Dewitt Building downtown when it was previously the local school. She went on to study, and become a nurse for the Tompkins County Hospital in the emergency room. She enjoyed helping others, especially those who were less fortunate. At times she was called by our local ambulance service to help transport critical patients to other hospitals. JoAnn transitioned to her own business, and operated a daycare service in her home for local friends and families. She enjoyed teaching the young children while they visited her. In 1975 she started a fruit stand business on a broken ping pong table across the street from her home that would grow to a well-known local neighborhood establishment called Todi’s Produce which employed the whole family, and some close friends. It thrived for ten years supplying fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses to local families, restaurants, Ithaca College, and Cornell University. JoAnn was a very intelligent and self-motivated lady which rubbed off on the people who knew and loved her. Her positive attitude was contagious.

JoAnn is survived by her loving husband, and best friend Orson R. Ledger Jr. Together they lived in their country home in Brooktondale, NY. JoAnn and Orson met in the Spring of 2019 in a neighborhood in Dryden, NY. Orson would come to her house to mow her grass. JoAnn would invite him in for a cup of coffee. They soon became inseparable friends traveling the countryside to enjoy their hobbies of thrift shopping, and frequenting diners and restaurants along the way.

JoAnn raised five children who all meant the world to her and are: Bernard James Carpenter, Brendalee Campbell (Husband: Kenneth Campbell), Patricia Lynn Vandermark, Patrick Anthony Todi, Timothy Brian Todi (Partner: Shannon Bowman). JoAnn also had a special place in her heart for her niece Kim who she raised, and loved until she passed.

One of JoAnn’s favorite things in her life was being Grammy. She has many grandchildren and great grandchildren who she loved and cherished. Grandchildren: Steven Nicholas Seeley (Wife: Christa Seeley), Christopher Michael Thomas Clair (Wife: Alexa Clair), Jordan Vandermark, Ashley Vandermark, Abigail Grace Todi, Kennedy Lee Todi, Taylor Marie Todi, Morgan Lillian Todi, and Reace Isabella Todi. Great grandchildren: Miranda Seeley, Thomas Seeley, Anthony Seeley, Emalee Seeley, Grace Martin, and Lillian Clair, Pascual Ruiz, and JoLynn Ruiz. Niece and nephew: Kimberly Jo Szczatko (Son: Collin Dando), Jonathan Conklin (Wife: Karen Protzel Conklin, Son: Fabian, Daughter: Alicia). JoAnn’s sister, Nancy, and Nickolas Conklin predeceased her years ago.

JoAnn had a pineapple Siamese cat named China who is with her now, and was her favorite fur friend. You knew that JoAnn loved you if she called you out by your full given name, or if she said, “Jesus Mary and Joseph” when she was upset with you. It meant that there was a teaching moment in your near future. She was proud to be a stubborn Irish woman who was passionate about her beliefs. JoAnn did not drink alcohol, but give her a mason jar of apple pie moonshine, and not only was she not sharing it, but you were getting that jar back empty. She lived a full, and happy life right to the end. All those whose lives she touched will miss and remember JoAnn Fay Carpenter! The wonderful memories she created will be forever in our hearts.

Calling hours for JoAnn will be held at Bangs Funeral Home at 209 West Green Street Ithaca, NY on Saturday November 1, 2025 from 10:30am-12pm. A private burial service will be held following the calling hours.