Hartsville, NY
Kriste Lee Gerhard – 52 – of Hartsville, died Sunday morning (September 8, 2024) at home, following a courageous battle with an aggressive form of colon cancer.
She was born in Springfield, MA on April 4, 1972 to Joseph Calvanese and Cynthia Wawrzonek.
Kriste grew up in Indian Orchard, MA, raised by the hands of her entire family, and known as everyone’s sister. While living in Springfield, she attended high school under the Food Catering Program at Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy. In 1992, Kriste moved to Lynchburg, VA. She graduated from Phillips Business College in 1997. While living in Virginia, Kriste pursued a career in accounting until she found her passion for community outreach as Director of Operations for Lighthouse Properties, LLC. She furthered her education in Association Management proudly becoming a CMCA. She also established her own photography business, Kriste Lee Photography. Kriste enjoyed displaying and donating her artwork for local charities. Kriste was a member of the Amelon United Methodist Church in Madison Heights, VA.
Moving to Hartsville in 2018, Kriste volunteered at the Hartsville Town Hall where she was then appointed the Town of Hartsville Deputy Supervisor in 2019. In 2021, she was elected Town Supervisor, a position she held until 2023. She Served with dedication and conviction on behalf of Hartsville. Kriste was hired as Operations Manager at St. Ann’s Academy in 2021. Her expertise in office management and her loving, caring personality instantly made her a perfect fit. Kriste enjoyed participating in the Veterans Day Field of Honor in Hornell for two years, in gratitude and honor of the late Dave Gray, who opened the doors of opportunity for her in the Hornell area. Kriste reluctantly retired from SAA in 2022 due to her cancer diagnosis and treatments.
Kriste loved the beach but would never pass up a good camp fire. She enjoyed wildlife and nature photography, gardening, and traveling. Most importantly, Kriste fiercely loved her family and lived life to the fullest. She will always be remembered for her positive outlook through life’s adversities and her unwavering faith in God.
On June 20, 2008, Kriste married David Gerhard who survives. In addition to her beloved husband, she is also survived by her daughter, Brittany Williams of Bedford, VA; two sons, Jonathon (Kelsey) Williams of Goode, VA & Tomas Williams of Evington, VA; step-children, Collin Gerhard of Charlotte, NC & Carter Gerhard of Blacksburg, VA; her cousin (who was raised as a sister) Tammy (Danielle) Girard of Enfield, CT; her parents, Joseph Calvanese and Cynthia (Gary) Wawrzonek; 2 sisters, Tricia (Roger) Gagnon of Springfield, MA and Joellene Calvanese of South Hampton, MA (3 Nieces) 2 brothers, Dakota Calvanese of West Springfield, MA & Connor Calvanese of West Springfield, MA; God Mother Debbie McCarthy of Ludlow, MA. Several Aunts, Uncles and cousins along with nieces & nephews, including “Her Littles” – Harper & Aberdeen Girard and Savannah Gagnon; and Mocha, her canine companion, soother, and emotional & physical support dog.
She was preceded in death by her grandmother with whom she now rests, under the loving wings of her forever angel, June Pearl Girard of Springfield, MA.
To honor Kriste’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or services. Her wish was for memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843 or by visiting https://www.saacademy.org/general-5.
Funeral arrangements are in care of Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.