Josephine "Jo" McCoy Parry

Mrs. Josephine “Jo” McCoy Parry, age 85, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, November 3, 2014 with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on June 8, 1929, Josephine was the daughter of the late Salvatore “Sam” and Ida E. (DiPollina) Russo. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1947. Jo married her high school sweetheart, Francis McCoy, and together they shared a 22 year union until his passing on August 23, 1972. Jo later found the second love of her life, Edward E. Parry, and they enjoyed 15 wonderful years prior to his passing in 1989. While still in high school Jo began her long time association with the Boston Store Family. She began modeling at a young age and over the years held various positions. Her productive work ethic earned her a promotion to Director of Personnel at the Boston Store overseeing more than 600 employees, the position from which she retired. Jo was a vibrant and lively woman with a colorful and shining personality. She was blessed with both inner and outward beauty. But her lovely soul was only made more beautiful by her role as matriarch of her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother sharing much of her time and adventures with her young descendants. Everything she did for them had roots in her nurturing heart. She took pride in her beautiful home and had a real flair for decorating it with style. Her love of beauty and design was apparent in the beautiful gardens of her home, where she spent many enjoyable hours. Josephine is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Susan L. and Robert Burgess of FL, and Renee S. Taraska of Rome and her companion, Dr. Don Weisenburger; her grandchildren and greatest joy, Maxine Taraska, Jeremy and Zoe Burgess, Jennifer Burgess, and Jordan Burgess; and her great-grandchildren, Zoe Cecilia, and Zachary Dylan who were the lights of her life. Her extended family includes her special cousins, Richard and Carol Alito. She was predeceased by her loving cousins, Carmen and Louisa Summa, and Chuck Summa. Jo’s family is grateful to the staff at Tidewell Hospice, especially Liza and Nancy who were such angels to the family and cared for Jo with such sensitivity and skill. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial Gathering for Josephine which will be held on Saturday afternoon, November 22, 2014 from 2:00-3:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Josephine’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 3:00 at the funeral home immediately upon the conclusion of visitation with Rev. Abe Esper officiating the ceremony. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Josephine "Jo" McCoy Parry

June 8, 1929 - November 3, 2014