BALDWINSVILLE, N.Y. – Joan Dawes Litteer, 94, formally of Liverpool, N.Y., passed away Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at Syracuse Homes in Baldwinsville, N.Y., surrounded by her loving family.

Joan “Jo” was born in Lewiston, to Forest E. Dawes and Celia Adams Dawes. Jo was raised in Auburn, with her sister, Betty and brother, Forest. Growing up on Lake Auburn, Jo’s childhood was filled swimming, boating, ice skating and fishing. She was an accomplished fisherwoman. Jo earned her BA Degree from Colby College. While on a weekend home, Jo met the love of her life, John Litteer, a member of the U.S. Coast Guard. Jo and John’s love bloomed through letters and visits, culminating in their 1954 marriage. After 70 years of marriage, Jo was predeceased by John in 2025.

Jo’s love of travel was the driving force for family camping trips to the family’s beloved Adirondacks, Jo’s home state of Maine, and adventures throughout the Canadian Maritime Providences, Canada and beyond. Jo toured England and Europe with her eldest daughter, Ireland, the Mediterranean and Australia with her sister. After a brief teaching career, Jo was a full-time homemaker and dedicated mother of five children. Jo was a great mom who never missed an opportunity to support her children at countless sporting and musical events, even being a Den and Girl Scout leader. Jo was a talented seamstress, knitter, and baker. When Jo’s grandchildren, and eventually great-grandchildren came along, her life was complete. She could be counted on for sticky buns on Christmas and pancakes for sleepovers and camping. Best Nanna ever!

Surviving to cherish her memory are her sister, Elizabeth Davis (Jerry Janell) of Auburn, and her brother, Forest E. Dawes Jr. (Dayle) of Catonsville, Md.; and her children, Linda Litteer-Ormond (William) of Durham, N.C., John S. Litteer (Julie) of Pennellville, N.Y., Barbara Schikora (Paul) of West Terre Haute, Ind., Andrew A. Litteer (Diane) of Clay, N.Y., and Rebecca P. Mounce (Martin) of Baldwinsville, N.Y.; nine grandchildren, Jamie (Shawn), Kelly (Eric), Lindsey (Michael), Paige, Kari (Lyra), Erin (Daniel), Sarah, Andrew (Kelly), and Zachary (Rudy); along with eight (soon to be nine!) great-grandchildren, Cecily, Bennett, Vivienne, Penelope, Corinne, Jonah, Beckett, and Eleanor; and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Guestbook at FalardeauFH.com

Contributions in Jo’s memory can be made to the American Cancer Society.