Joanne G. (Gering) Drysten

Joanne G. Drysten, age 85, of Cranston, passed away Friday, November 3, 2023 at the HopeHealth Hospice Center. She was the wife of the late Ely P. Drysten.

Born in Queens, New York, she was a daughter of the late Anne (Fortunato) Hrichak.

She was the sister of Florence Kelt, the late George Gering and the late Neil Gering.

She is survived by her son, Ely Drysten Jr., her daughters, Deidre Castore and her husband John; Carissa Costello and her husband Tony and survived by 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Joanne had several retail jobs throughout her life, but the one that really made her shine was working as a personal shopper for G. Fox. She loved helping others put together the perfect outfit and she always wore the most beautiful accessories with her wardrobe. Whether it was an antique brooch or a string of pearls, her whole look was impeccable. Her love for shopping continued years after retirement.

Joanne’s heart was as big as they come. She was generous and would often help strangers in need of clothing, food or a simple cup of coffee and an ear to listen. Joanne was a voice for the homeless, providing them with available resources or a path to a job to help them get on their feet. 

Visitation will be held in the “WOODLAWN” Funeral Home, 600 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, on Thursday, Nov. 9, from from 8:15am until 9am. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10am in St. Mary’s Church, Cranston. Burial will take place at St. Ann Cemetery.

Memorial donations are greatly appreciated to HopeHealth Hospice and Palliative Care, 1085 No. Main St., Providence, RI 02904.

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