Josephine O'Brien

Albany-Josy was born on August 23, 1929 in Albany NY, to the late Josephine (Lavenia) and Anthony Savoca. Josy was predeceased by her devoted husband William F. O’Brien who thought Josy was the most precious of all gems, her best friend and sister, Carmela Savoca, and her beloved cousin Thomas Genovese. Josy is survived by loving cousins Antoinette Tomlin (Wil), Phillip Genovese (Nicole), Christina Mejias (Gilbert). Christian, Zachary, and Joseph Tomlin. Dante and Sydney Genovese. Gabriel, Alexa and Valorey Mejias. In addition to many close cousins and friends. Josy cherished growing up in a close-knit large Italian family, she loved her many close friends, and adored the many students she taught over the years. Josy attended Blessed Sacrament School, and Vincention Institute in Albany. She graduated from The College of Saint Rose in 1951, and then went on to get a Master’s degree in Education from SUNY Oneonta. Josy loved teaching, and taught middle school English and Social Studies at Fort Crailo School in Rensselear for 20 years. She had a deep Catholic faith and shared this faith teaching religious education for 17 years at St. Francis de Sales Church in Loudonville. After retiring from teaching, Josy relished her second career as a care giver. Gifted in helping and caring for others, Josy nurtured a loving home and family for those around her, her husband, her mother, her sister, her in-laws, and when her Aunt Veronica died suddenly, Josy helped to raise her four young cousins. Josy had a zest for life, a joy for all people, and most of all Josy loved to talk and to entertain in her home. Josy loved to travel, the opera, plays, reading, gardening and shopping. She was a member of the Ladies of Charity, and belonged to a Book Group, and Garden Club. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the caring and compassionate staff at the Teresian House for taking wonderful care of Josy during the final years of her life. Rest easy Josy, we know you are singing and dancing with the family in Heaven. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Josy’s family Wednesday, March 31, 2021 9:30 am to 11:00 am at the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206. Please only enter the funeral home from the parking lot doorway; masks and social distancing are required; and 45 visitors at a time will be allowed in the funeral home. Funeral services Wednesday at 11:30 am at Blessed Sacrament Church, 607 Central Ave. (Father John Bradley Way), Albany, NY 12206 where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated. Please only enter the church from the Hunter Ave. Parking Lot doorway; masks and social distancing are required; 150 visitors at a time will be allowed in the church. The Rite of Committal will be held at St. Agnes Cemetery immediately following the Funeral Mass. To leave a message for the family please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com Those wishing to remember Josephine O’Brien in a special way may send a contribution to Blessed Sacrament School, 605 Central Ave., Albany, NY 12206 or the charity of your choice.

Tributes

Josephine O'Brien

August 23, 1929 - March 28, 2021