Josephine “Josie” Wilcox

Josephine (Josie) Wilcox, 88, of Endicott, passed away at Ideal Nursing Home on June 25, 2017. She was predeceased by her husband of 39 years, Charles Wilcox, infant son, Michael, sister, Esther Sbarra, brother-in-law, Anthony Sbarra, sister, Antoinette Banta, brother-in-law, John Banta, sister-in-law, Marie Mee, brother-in-law, James Mee and niece Patricia Vasisko. She is survived by three daughters, Marlene (Robert) Hutcheson of Endicott, Teresa (RC) Rucker of Lynn MA and Frances Ovens (Jennifer Holmes) of Apex NC; 8 grandchildren, Jennifer, Kelly, Justin, Charlie, Micah, Jason, Keegan and Lauren; 6 great-grandchildren, Kairee, Caleb, Lucy, Angela, Lorenzo and Ryleigh; sister-in-law Gertrude Oldfield, brother-in-law William Oldfield, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, James and Marie Wilcox; Sister Anisia Muthoni and many other special friends and nieces and nephews. Josie began her career as a lab technician at Ideal Hospital and retired from Wilson Hospital as medical technologist in special chemistry. After retirement, she worked as a librarian at the law firm of Levene, Gouldin and Thompson until 83 years of age. She had a love of dancing and belonged to Dance USA and taught line dancing and choreographed several dances. She was also an accomplished ballroom dancer. She was very politically involved and was instrumental in the grass roots organization G.A.R.B.A.G.E. to prevent the building of a garbage incinerator in Endicott. She was also known as the queen of Scrabble. Special and heartfelt thanks to the caring and compassionate staff of Ideal Nursing Home Rehab floor for their love and support of her and her family and friends on her end of life journey. She was a lifelong member of St. Anthony of Padua Church, participating over the years in social justice causes, bible study and the St. Francis Ministry.
A Funeral Mass will be held Friday at 11 am at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 300 Odell Avenue, Endicott. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at church Friday from 9:30 am until Mass time at 11 am. Expressions of sympathy in her memory may be made to the St. Francis Ministry, c/o Sister Anisia Muthoni, 304 Oak Hill Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760.