Josephine (Coria) Joseph

Mrs. Josephine (Scalise-Coria) Joseph, age 81, of Utica, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 3, 2011 at the St. Luke’s Home with the love and devotion of her family by her side. Born in Utica on August 14, 1929, Josephine was the daughter of the late Frank F. and Antoinette P. (Scalise) Coria. She was raised and educated locally. On June 4, 1949 she married Alexander “Al” Joseph. Their fidelity and open heartedness made their marriage most meaningful, and they experienced many joys during their 61 years of life together. Al attended to his wife in many devoted and precious ways, especially during the trials of her illness. Jo was employed by the Utica City School District from 1966 until 1992 working as a teacher’s assistant, compassionately tending to the needs of developmentally disabled students. She often said that those years were some of the best years of her life. She also enjoyed her vocation as an Avon representative for over 50 years. Each summer, Jo looked forward to camping, and in more recent years, their camp in the Adirondacks accorded her the serenity she so much appreciated. She was an avid reader and her creative hobbies included knitting, baking cookies, and preparing Arabic food. She was a parishioner of St. Louis Gonzaga Church and at one time was a member of the St. Mary’s Guild. Her spirituality was a great source of comfort in her life, and her goodness and grace guided her in being the best in each significant relationship in her life. She was a trustworthy, true friend, and held her family closest to her heart. Those who knew her were the fortunate ones. Josephine is survived by her husband, Al; her sons and a daughter-in-law, Richard Joseph of New Hartford and his special friend, Cordellia Urbanik, and Mark F. and Kristen Joseph of Utica. Grandma Jo truly loved and adored her granddaughters, Gianna Marie, and Rachael Elizabeth. Jo also held a great relationship and respect for her sister, Congetta and her husband, Carmen A. Russo, Jr. of Utica. Her extended family includes her nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging Marybeth Russo, Frank and Sue Russo, and David M. Russo; her great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, William J. Williams, and Fred Capels. She was also blessed with many loyal friends. She was predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Louis and Elizabeth Joseph; and her in-laws, Ida and Abe Simon, Rose M. Millson and her husband, Dinty, Timothy J. and Josephine Williams, Joseph and Ruth Joseph, and Nancy Capels. She also cherished the memory of her daughter-in-law, Caroline Zyla, who passed away in 2008. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. William Ryan and the physicians and caregivers who tended to Josephine through the years. The devotion and precious ways of the Clark N. unit at the St. Luke’s Home will always be close to the Joseph family. The staff was so attentive, compassionate, and devoted to Jo during her stay. A special note of appreciation also to Jeannette George, who shared a special relationship of care, and Jo’s sister, Congetta, who never left her sister’s side. THE FUNERAL SERVICE FOR MRS. JOSEPH (TODAY) MONDAY HAS BEEN CANCELLED. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Josephine’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Tuesday morning at 9:30 at St. Louis of Gonzaga Church where the Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be celebrated by Chorbishop John D. Faris. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Josephine (Coria) Joseph

August 14, 1929 - March 3, 2011