Mrs. Joan R. Nasby-Hoffstetter

Mrs. Joan R. Nasby-Hoffstetter, age 97, formerly of Utica, passed away peacefully in California on Sunday morning, the 24th of November 2013. She was born in Sherburne, N.Y. on August 19, 1916, the daughter of the late Albert and Mary (Chamoun) Shires. She attended Bleecker St. School through the 8th grade; she left school to assist raising her four younger brothers while her mother worked. She was left to cherish the memories of her brothers who preceded her; Carl the eldest in 1926 at the age of 9, Badie the second eldest in 1927 at the age of 8, Joseph in 1984, and Paul in 1988. One of Joan’s greatest accomplishments was receiving her GED at the age of 58 through her studies at the Utica School of Commerce. During her working years she had been employed by Foster Brothers Bedding and Spring Company, the GE Radio Receiver location, and lastly The Oneida County Association for Retarded Children. The center of her life was her family and her friends; she loved people and was always the first to lend a helping hand to others in need. She embraced every moment of life right up until her last days and told her Doctors that she was not to go yet! She believed that life was wonderful if one didn’t weaken, and she never did. Many could remember her laughter, gardening, singing, cooking, and especially Las Vegas where she would burn the midnight oil well into the wee hours of the morning. She was a huge NY Yankees fan and especially favored Derek Jeter. She also spent many weekends rooting for Phil Mickelson when he played golf. But above all, she loved children and was at her absolute best when a baby was in her arms. She helped raise many youngsters; her own grandchildren as well as her friend’s children in their time of need. You were never far from a meal at Nana Joan’s house. Friendships and visiting was paramount in her life. During her 97 years of life she shared special times with, John and Susan Massoud, Rose Bouziden, Hanini Moses, Maureen and Sheryl Lewis, Audrey La Fave, Art and Nancy Fragetta, Arzette and Bennie Bosco, Genevieve and Eddie Clark, Mary Izzo and Sarah, Cathy West, Omar and Janet Salvati, as well as many, many others. She held a very special place in her heart for Ruth Nasby-Mignano, her daughter in-law whom she loved like a daughter. Joan had a deep abiding passion in the beliefs of her Maronite faith. She was a communicant of St. Louis Gonzaga Church and at one time was the lead soprano vocalist in the choir for many years. She performed many solos for weddings and funerals but will always be remembered for her rendition of “O Holy Night” during Christmas Midnight Mass. Many people would turn around and look up to the choir loft to get a glimpse of her performing her solo. Her sons Bruce and Lenny would often be on the altar serving as altar boys. In addition she was also a member of the St. Mary’s Guild, the St. Joseph’s and the Holy Rosary Societies. She is survived by four sons, John Nasby of Culver City, CA, Richard and Linda Nasby of Wolcott, NY, Bruce Hoffstetter of La Verne, CA, and Len and Debra Hoffstetter of Covina, CA; thirteen grandchildren, Mia Stiebel, Janiece Cotrell , Devin Nasby, Rick Nasby, Ruthanne Serdah, Rosalyn Dragun, Renee Baker, Russell Nasby, Bianca Hoffstetter, Ian Hoffstetter, Jason Newton, Erin Hoffstetter, and James Hoffstetter; seventeen great grandchildren, Eric, Adam, and Luke Stiebel; Bridget, and Charlie Cotrell; Siobhan, and Alana Nasby; Mohammed, Shadia, and Samer Serdah; Rachel, and Sarah Lackemann; Georgie Dengler, Emma Nasby; Kailee, Ella, and Jackson Newton; and one great-great-grandchild, Khloe Dengler. The family would like to thank the following care givers and family members who helped make their mother comfortable, safe, and happy; Anna, Lillian, Janna, and especially Pearl Alvarado whom she truly loved, her grandson Jason, who was at the hospital day and night watching over her, as well as his wife Andrea for all her support, her granddaughter Erin who doted over her, and her grandson James who made her laugh often. A special thank you is extended to her granddaughter Ruthann, her son Richard, and her son John for the bedside sleepovers in her final days. A special thanks to her grandson Rick Nasby and his wife Joan and their two daughters, Siobhan and Alana who visited her daily, and a joyful remembrance to Bruce’s 8 year old son Ian who she adored, to Debbie, the daughter Joan always wanted and finally found these past 28 years; she was always there for her in so many different meaningful ways, a true blessing and she loved her very much. Her sons are escorting her back to Utica where she will be laid to rest at Christ Our Savior Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-5 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South Street, corner of Hammond Ave. The Prayer of Incense will be offered at 4:30. Joan’s funeral service and celebration of life will commence on Monday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and 10:00 from her home parish of St. Louis Gonzaga where her Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be celebrated by Chorbishop John D. Faris. “You knew the way Mom, you were our light…..”

Mrs. Joan R. Nasby-Hoffstetter

November 24, 2013