Hornell, New York
Anne Livingston Gemmell – (80) – of 62 Delaware Ave., Hornell, died Friday afternoon, May 12, 2023 at her home, following a long illness.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland on February 14, 1943, she was the daughter of Thomas & Josephine (Lockhart) Livingston.
Anne grew up in Glasgow. On October 6, 1962 she married Matthew Gemmell and in 1964 they moved to the United States. They resided on Sands Point, Long Island for a time, both working as “domestics” — Anne as housekeeper & cook and Matthew as a butler & chauffeur.
For several years they lived in Queens, NY where, for a time, Anne was a “Stay At Home Mom” raising her family. In 1973, they moved to Central Islip, Long Island and in 1975 Anne began volunteering at the St. John of God Catholic School. She was eventually hired as school as school librarian where she worked until her retirement in 1996.
While living on Central Islip, Anne was a communicant of St. John of God Catholic Church and had been a member of the Christian Mothers, St. John of God Home School Association as well as Clan McDuff.
In 1996, they moved to Hendersonville, NC where they resided for several years before moving to Hornell in 2005. Anne was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She enjoyed volunteering at Turning Point Catholic Charities and also volunteering at Hornell Gardens where she recited the Rosary every Thursday. She was an active member of Our Lady of the Valley Liturgy Committee. She was an avid reader and also loved the time spent watching and taking care of her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Matthew Gemmell who died July 26, 2009.
Surviving are 3 daughters, Joanne (Deacon Mark) Clark of Hornell, Suzanne (Ed) Riss of Ronkonkoma, NY and Dianne (Sean) O’Neill of Hornell; 3 brothers, Robert (Betty) Livingston of England, Andrew Livingston of Scotland and Thomas Livingston of Ireland; 1 sister, Josephine Margey of Scotland; 6 grandchildren, Jackie Clark, Tom Clark, Allie (Kevin) Pullyblank, Matt Riss, Molly Riss and Jade Reynolds; 1 great-grandson, Carter Pullyblank; many nieces & nephews.
At Anne’s request there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 20, 2022 at 11:00 AM St. Ann’s Church.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Anne’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Painted Post, NY 14870 or to Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 27 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY 14843.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Mrs. Gemmell was like a 2nd mother to me when I was in grade school. Suzanne like my sister as were Joanne & Dianne. Mr. Gemmell like a 2nd father. I have so many fun memories of them as I was either at their house or Suzanne at my house. There was always laughter, good food & singing involved. I will forever cherish these memories. I was Blessed to have had the pleasure of Mrs. Gemmell in my early childhood. We keep in touch over the last couple of years and she always made me smile. My thoughts & prayers are with the Gemmell family. We have lost a beautiful soul as Heaven gains a shining new angel. She is dancing & laughing with her beloved husband Matt as they watch over their beautiful loved ones left behind.
I love you Mrs. Gemmell. Thank you for my very first best friend Suzanne & the wonderful memories with the beautiful family you created.
Love Always,
Kathleen
Xoxoxo
Yes, Heaven has received their angel back to continue her journey of work. A beautiful soul, an amazing mother, so involved with her children and their friends. Mrs. Gemmell made sure when you were at her house, you were family. I will be forever grateful for having her as my Girl Scout Leader. Many projects were made, with so much of her guidance and patience. I learned how to sew, make delicious food, but most of all how to treat others with respect and kindness. I am forever grateful I had the opportunity our lives crossed paths.
My prayers are with the Gemmell family, especially my friend Joanne. I cherish the times we spent together when we were younger. I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom. She touched so many peoples lives. Thank you for sharing you mom with me!
Sincerely,
Lisa Phillips-Rispoli
I met Anne at Hornell Turning Point where she faithfully volunteered. I feel blessed for having the pleasure of knowing her.She was a very special lady.She was everything anyone could aspire to be. I will miss her. I miss our conversations we had while I was working there her wit was as sharp as a tac.She was such a beautiful lady.She lived every day to its fullest. I am sorry for her family’s loss, but she is in heaven now. She told me that she wanted her girls to dress ,not in black but in bright colors to celebrate her life ,not her death. She was so proud of her family and would tell me stories of how proud she was of all of you.