Jodie R. Gilmore

Jodie Gilmore, 76, of Greene, New York, went to be with the Lord on October 9, 2025, after a year-long battle with illness.

Jodie was predeceased by her parents, Franklin and Mae Wolfe and her former husband, Austin Gilmore. She is survived by her loving life partner, Oscar Valdes (and his son Ed); her children, Daniel, Christine and Travis (Jennifer); her grandchildren, Breven, Skylar, Race, Cole and Drew; her beloved sister and brother-in-law, Cara and Dick Smith; nephews James (Patty) Smith and Scott (Stephanie) Smith; her former son-in-law, Jim Munson and many nieces and nephews. 

Born and raised in eastern Pennsylvania she often shared childhood memories spent with her sister, cousin Pinky, and lifelong family friend, Marque. Jodie lived in several places she held dear — New Jersey, California, and finally Greene, New York, where she and her family settled when she was in the 6th grade. 

After graduating high school, Jodie followed in her big sister’s footsteps and moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked for the government. She made many lifelong friends there and cherished the adventures they shared — friendships that lasted right up until her final days.

As Jodie began her own family, she worked various jobs before finding her calling as a bank teller in the heart of Greene, where she worked for over 25 years. She loved greeting the familiar faces of her community, chatting with neighbors, and being part of everyday life in town. Her children fondly remember summer days stopping by to see her during lunch breaks before biking around Greene and heading to the town pool.

Jodie had a creative soul and a heart for detail. She was known for her incredible candy-making — painting chocolates by hand, dipping pretzels, crafting fudge, mints, and other treats for holidays, birthdays, and weddings. She also had an eye for photography long before it was trendy. Jodie created beautiful photo albums — from her honeymoon and family vacations to everyday moments — capturing decades of memories that her family will forever treasure. Her collection of albums is a true legacy of love.

Music was another passion. Jodie and her sister would “jitterbug” for their mother, Mae, who would beam with delight watching them dance. Jodie stayed young at heart, often out enjoying live music and dancing the night away. She enjoyed the friendship of her “gang” (Dave, Patty, Lindy). She earned the nickname “the party starter” because she was always the first one on the dance floor, inspiring everyone else to join in.

Above all, Jodie loved her family and friends deeply and unconditionally. She made friends wherever she went. She had many friends that lived afar and would text them good morning every day. She enjoyed staying close to her high school classmates meeting for lunch every few months. She loved playing cards and dice. Jodie was the proud mom and grandma who never missed a game, concert, or recital. Her family adored her famous recipes — her potato salad, baked pineapple, pound pound dip, magic cookie bars lasagna, and her Hawaiian fruit salad and stuffing were always in high demand (and occasionally fought over!). She carried on her mother’s legacy by perfecting beloved family dishes like rice pudding, custard, and applesauce. Every meal she prepared was an act of love. 

Those who knew Jodie best will remember her for her generosity, her laughter, and her unwavering love. She was a woman of strong faith, a devoted member of Berean Bible Church, and a lifelong giver to many charities. She found joy in simple things — Sunday phone calls with her sister sharing their woes and excitements over family, endless daily chats with her daughter, going on roadtrips with Oscar, she especially loved traveling to Ithaca, and helping her children and grandchildren in any way she could, whether helping with remodeling or supporting a home project.

As one of her childhood friends shared, “She was happy with what she had.” Jodie didn’t need much — she simply loved giving, listening, and being there for others.

Jodie wasn’t vanilla — she was a cupcake with rainbow sprinkles.

Whether you knew her as Mom, Grandma, Sister, Partner, Friend, Cousin, Sister in Christ, Mama Bear, Cupcake, Mamasita, or just Jodie — you knew her love. Her spirit, her laughter, and her light will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

Friends of the family may call to Root Funeral Home, 23 North Chenango Street, Greene NY from 5pm to 7pm on Tuesday October 14th. Funeral services at 10am on Wednesday October 15th with a luncheon immediately following at Berean Bible Church, 109 County Rd 2 Greene, NY 13778, to celebrate this wonderful lady. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mercy House, 212 N McKinley Ave, Endicott, NY 13760. Arrangements are under the direction of Root Funeral Home and condolences may be sent to the family at www.rootfh.com. 

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