Joyce O’Shea

Surrounded by her family, Joyce O’Shea peacefully passed away on Tuesday, February 8, 2022. Joyce was born on March 16, 1936 in Endicott NY. She was predeceased by her parents, Anna and Nicholas Macuch, her husband of 31 years, James O’Shea, her son-in-law, Steve Stelmak, and infant great-grandson, Zachary Cachilli. Joyce is survived by children; Deborah (Rick) Blodgett-Lachmanski, Karen Stelmak, James (Stephanie) Blodgett, Richard (Florence) Blodgett, and Kathleen (Dennis) Tweedie. Grandchildren; Andrea Blodgett , Nick Blodgett, Kathryn (Ryan) Cachilli, Julia (Tate) Botting, Emily (Billy) Balshuweit, Rachel Blodgett, Zachary and Ryan Strom, Andrew Olds, and Adam Lachmanski. Great-Grandchildren; Alexis and Abigail Merritt, Elizabeth and Lucas Cachilli, Sienna Blodgett, Liam Balshuweit, Wyatt and Waylon Botting. Mom was a proud graduate of Vestal High School and went on to earn her nursing degree at Wilson School of Nursing. She worked at Wilson Hospital for several years but spent most of her career as a pediatric nurse for Dr. Charles Greene and Dr. Azmat Saeed. She cared deeply and loved all of her patients, and was loved in return by multi generations of those she cared for. Mom was an avid NY Yankees fan and loved sharing the game highlights with her family. Our group texts would conclude with cheers or thumbs down. Mom admired Derek Jeter, proudly wearing his jersey as a devout fan, cheering on the team while on her annual trip to Yankee Stadium. Through the years of family vacations and holiday traditions, we are blessed with cherished memories of laughter and love. Remaining active amongst her nursing and high school classmates, Mom enjoyed the monthly luncheons and annual 50 plus reunions. She enjoyed her weekly yoga with Casey, and her monthly card games with her close friends. She loved adventures and found joy in the simple things in life. Above all, our mother took great care and pride in her children and grandchildren. She taught us, through her selfless acts, how to tackle tough moments, and in turn, how to raise our own children with the same compassion and unconditional love that she gave so freely. Mom’s lesson to us is that it doesn’t matter what happens to you, it is more important how you handle it; to use kindness and love as a moral compass. We are all better people for being loved by Joyce O’Shea.
A Funeral Mass for Joyce will be held on Monday, February 14 at 11 AM at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 801 Main Street, Vestal. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends on Monday at Church from 10 AM until Mass time at 11 AM. The Funeral Mass will be streamed at youtube.com/olsvestalny for those who can’t attend.