Obituary of Joyce M. Monaco

Joyce M. Monaco Pine Bush, NY Our Loving mother, Joyce M. Monaco, passed away on Friday June 17, 2011 after a long illness. She was dearly loved by her family, friends, and neighbors and will be sadly missed. Joyce was born on January 14, 1937 and a lifelong resident of Pine Bush, NY.. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 31 years, Thomas F. Monaco, her parents Andrew and Jeannette Burkinshaw, sister, Janet Eskew, and brother, Alan Burkinshaw. She is survived by her children; Joyce M. Depew of Middletown, NY; Thomas A. Monaco of Catlett, VA; Stephen D. Monaco of Hampton Cove, AL; Teresa M. Saculla of Austin TX; and Jennifer E. Baker of Oneonta, NY.; her 12 grandchildren; Raymond, Daniel and Lauren Depew; Nicholas Monaco and Cassandra Miller, Kristin and Allison Monaco; Emily, Audrey and Dylan Saculla; Andrew and Stephen Baker, great grandson Benjamin D. Depew and sister, Joan Czerniawski of Middletown. Growing up Joyce was a member of the Ridge Raiser's 4-H Dairy Club and showed many of her family's Holstein cows. She was a lover of horses and horseback riding. Joyce attended Albany Business College, and later was employed by the Pine Bush Central School and in 1993 she retired after 21 years of service. Besides being a devoted, loving mother and wife, her volunteer service included: the Civil Air Patrol during the war, Leader for both Valleyettes and Bushy Pine 4-H Clubs where she taught children skills that included gardening, sewing, and cooking. She later taught cattle grooming skills, cooking and baking skills to her grandchildren. During her retirement years she was an Orange County Hospice Volunteer and enjoyed traveling around the U.S. with her friends and family and was an avid Yankee Fan! Joyce's constant companion was her beloved dog Jesse who brought constant joy. Visitation will be held on Wednesday June 22, 2011 from 2-4 & 7-9pm at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. 1525 Burlingham Rd Pine Bush NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday June 23, 2011 at 10:30am at the Church of the Infant Saviour with Fr. Kevin Gallagher officiating. Burial will be in the family plot at New Prospect Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made in Joyce's name to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Ct, Newburgh, NY 12550. Arrangements entrusted to the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com