Gemma C Orzech (Vannortwick)

Gemma (Vannortwick) Orzech, 53, of Morrisonville, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 19, 2019 at her home with her loving family by her side. She was born in Plattsburgh, NY on March 17, 1966, the daughter of William E. and Margaret M. (Leclair) Vannortwick.
She attended Our Lady of Victory Secretarial School and received an Associate’s Degree and worked as a secretary for a lawyer in Plattsburgh, also Social Services and six years at Plattsburgh State University. She also attended Clinton Community College and received an Associate’s Degree in General Education. She then transferred to Plattsburgh State University and received a Master’s Degree in Education. She taught English at Plattsburgh State University. She worked at several local school districts, but spent twenty years teaching middle school at AuSable Valley Central School. She loved children and enjoyed being a teacher, which she was passionate about. Gemma also loved volunteering at nursing homes.
Gemma was an avid runner, running in many full and half marathons. She also received a medal for running one thousand miles in one year. She loved reading, knitting, hiking, camping and traveling. She also loved spending her time with her wonderful friends. She had a kind soul and loved everyone in her life that spent time with her. She was a fiercely loyal friend and co-worker. She will be remembered most for her beautiful smile and compassion for others.
She is survived by her loving husband of 31 years, Mark Edward Orzech. She also leaves two beautiful children; Ashley Amelia and Thomas Mark Orzech, her brothers; William, Phil and Timothy Vannortwick, her sisters; Mary Colwell, Joan Vannortwick, Christina Provost, and Angela Forget and many aunts, uncles cousins, nieces, nephews, great-grand nieces, nephews, loving friends, and her therapy dog Onni.
She was predeceased by her sister, Alice Thuesen, and brother Don Juan Vannortwick.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hope Lodge Burlington, Hospice of the North Country, or the Fitzpatrick Cancer Center.
Calling hours will be on Monday, October 28, 2019 from 10:30-11:30am at St. Alexander’s Church, 1 Church St., Morrisonville. A memorial service will follow at 11:30am in the church.
Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 (518) 561-3980. Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.