Obituary of Iva E. Jessmer

PITCAIRN – Iva E. (Lenie) Jessmer, wife of John I. Jessmer, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2017 at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown, where she had been a patient for the last week with family members by her side. Iva was born on November 26, 1937 in Pierrepont, NY to Herb and Doris (Hogle) Law. She was brought up on a farm and attended Knox Memorial High School in Russell, NY. She married John I. Jessmer on September 27, 1956 at the Edwards United Methodist Church. They moved to East Pitcairn in the 1960's, where they lived for about 55 years. She was a homemaker all of her life along with taking part in the family business, River Road Lumber, as a bookkeeper. Lenie was an avid participant in the East Pitcairn Wesleyan Church in the 1970's serving as a Sunday School and Bible School Teacher, youth leader, hosting parties at her house for teens. Her hobbies included cooking, fishing, spending time with her husband and family at Blake Flow in Colton and later at Jones Pond in Edwards. She loved playing guitar, which she learned at an early age. She joined family in many music get togethers. She always used her gift of playing and singing within the church setting until she was injured in a car accident in 1988. Iva is survived by her two sons, Gary J. Jessmer of Oswegatchie, Larry (Densey) Jessmer of East Pitcairn, three grandchildren, John P. (Danielle) Jessmer of Pitcairn, Gary J. Jessmer of Georgia and Jill J. (Ryan) Limberg of San Diego. One great grandchild, Nathaniel Limberg of San Diego. She is also survived by one brother, Philip (Gwen) Law of DePeyster, 3 sisters, Iris (Henry) Waugh of Talcville, Freida Snell of Canton, Irene (Joe) Durham of Fine, a sister-in-law Thea Law of Harrisville, and several nieces and nephews. Iva was predeceased by her husband John who passed April 27, 2017, parents Herb and Doris Law, a brother, Lyle Law, a sister Bonnie Lewis, and infant granddaughter Heidi Jessmer. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Edwards. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. There will be a joint graveside service with her husband John held on Saturday, May 6th at 3:00 p.m. at the East Pitcairn Cemetery with Rev. John Putney officiating. Per her request there will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Iva's memory to the Harrisville Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box 51, Harrisville NY 13648. There will be a memorial/reception combined with the Law Family Reunion held in July at Gouverneur Recreation Park.