Obituary of Joan E. Gipp

Joan E. Gipp, 86 lifelong resident of Lewiston, NY died December 30, 2015 at Our Lady of Peace, Lewiston. She was married to the late Arthur H. Gipp, and was the daughter of the late William Martin and Annie Martin. She is survived by her sons William (William Mauceri)and Gerald (Sue Brade), her sister Sylvia Hoffmeier, and a nephew Martin Hoffmeier. She began school at 'Frog Hollow', and graduated from The Lewiston Red Brick School, and SUNY Brockport. Joan's many accomplishments included teaching at Lewiston-Heights School and teaching pre-school at The Lewiston First Presbyterian Church. She was the first woman elected to Lewiston Town Council 1976-1988. As Councilwoman, Joan was relentless in her initiative to protect the people and the land. She formed the environmental group "Operation Clean" in the 1990's, cautioning the community about allowing waste industries to expand, while raising health risk and quality of life issues. Joan referred to the use of local lands by the waste industry in a quote from a Niagara Falls Gazette article, "How will we explain to future generations how Lewiston became a moonscape of holes and mountains." Joan represented New York State on the Great Lakes Commission, was a member of the Niagara County Planning Board, was on the OxyChem Citizen advisory panel and chaired "Waste Watch", a national environmental advisory service. Joan was the inspiration for the book, "Beyond the Falls; A Modern History of the Lower Niagara River." Written by Lisa Aug. She has been a member of Lewiston No.1 Fire Company, Ladies Auxiliary. The Town of Lewiston proclaimed August 1, 2003 as "Joan Gipp Day" to honor Joan's contributions to the local community. Joan received many other awards and citations. A celebration of Joan's life with be held in April. Donations can be made on Joan's behalf to: The 3-F Club(Fin, Feather&Fur Conservation Society,Inc.), 904 Swann Rd. Youngstown, NY 14174, the Lewiston#1 Ambulance Fund,145 N. 6th St. P.O. Box 748, Lewiston, NY 14092 or Niagara County ASPCA 2100 Lockport Rd., Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Arrangements have been entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts. Lewiston, NY.