Gloria E. Joaquin

Mrs. Gloria Elaine Whitaker Joaquin, 78, of Yorkville, passed into the arms of the Lord in the family home, on March 23, 2025, with her loving daughter and sole caretaker by her side.

   She was born to her wonderful parents, Yvonne and Earl Whitaker on December 4, 1946, in Utica. She graduated from New York Mills High School. While growing up in New York Mills, she worked at Holland Farms in Yorkville and later managed the NY Mills Byrne Dairy. When moving to Yorkville, she opened her dream job, Gloria’s Wee Care and for the next thirty-eight years, cared for and loved many children and great grand daycare children, since several returned with their own children. Gloria also won “The Friends of Children” Award for her exemplary care and compassion; she was truly loved by all of them.

   Gloria and Anthony were married on July 30, 1966 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church. They spent 56 years in a blessed union building everlasting memories with their family, trips, date nights and romantic sunsets.

   Gloria is survived by her beloved daughter and devoted caregiver, Valerie Bracey and her husband, Edwin, whom Gloria, live with; her son, Anthony T. Joaquin, Jr. (Michelle) of Kentucky; She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jeffrey Alsheimer, Briana Joaquin, Nicolette(Jordan Hajdasz), Autumn Gardner and Joshua(Carah Carnes); her great grandchildren Nathaniel, Jonah, Nico, Penny, Hunter Scott and Love. Gloria is also survived by her brother, Earl Whitaker (Kathy) of New Hampshire, her sister, Patricia Liberty (Michael) of Huber Heights, Ohio, her brother, Duane Whitaker of Cold Brook, and her brother Paul Whitaker (Chris) of Syracuse, her in-laws; Thomas Joaquin (Barbara), of Florida, Suzanne Joaquin of Florida, and Richard Becraft of Utica. several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

   Gloria was predeceased by her husband, Anthony on July 14, 2022, by her son, Jeffrey on February 6, 2018; her parents, Yvonne and Earl Whitaker; her sister, Barbara Artz and her husband, Raymond and her in-laws, Marianne, and Manuel Joaquin, Labania Joaquin, Martha Becraft, Manuel Joaquin, and Pasquale Joaquin.

   The Bracey family would like to thank Hospice and Palliative Care, especially Georgia, Tiahna, Alicia, Ashley,and Wally for their compassionate care. A special thanks to Patricia and Michael, Chris and Paul, Deborah and Joseph, MaryLou and Anthony, Annette, Tina, Duane, and John K. for all they have done for us, and to the Yorkville Fire Department for all of their continuous help. We would also like to thank Dr. Berg from Upstate Geriatrics

   Thank you to Edwin for his unwavering love and support that made it possible for Valerie to lovingly care for Gloria and Thank you to Patricia and Michael for your tremendous help and special 12 hour trips just for “Hugs” you are greatly appreciated.

  Gloria and her great grandson, Hunter Scott shared a very special bond from the moment he was born up until the end of her journey. Hunter helped take care of his MaMaw with extra love and attention and a whole lot of chocolate.

   Gloria’s Life Celebration will be 12 p.m., Tuesday June 17, 2025 at the Bottini Funeral Home, 120 West Embargo Street, Rome. Family will be available for visitation starting at 10 a.m. at the funeral home until the time of service. Internment has taken place at a private family service in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitesboro, where Gloria and Anthony were united in eternal peace. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gloria’s memory may be offered to Hospice and Palliative Care: www.hospicecareinc.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: www.stjude.org .

Gloria and her family’s trust has been placed in the care of the Bottini Funeral Home, 120 West Embargo Street, Rome. You may view the obituary and send a message of sympathy online at: www.bottinifuneralhome.com .