Josephine Churey

Josephine Churey, 94, passed away peacefully at Hospicare of Ithaca Monday evening, August 29, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.

Josephine was born in Ithaca, NY on November 22,1927.  In 1948 she married her husband John Churey. They were in their 75th year of marriage at the time of her passing.

Together they had five children, 15 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren. She raised a home that was filled with faith, love, joy, and great food. Her family will miss her great cooking especially her pot roast, chicken noodle soup, and chocolate fudge. She is also known as the master of gravy and stuffing. She filled the home with love of God and of family. She made all the family celebrations and daily life special with her unconditional love.

Josephine was a daily communicant at Immaculate Conception and St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Churches. She was a member of the Benedictine Order of the Divine Will. Also, she was a member of the Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima.

Josephine retired as a secretary from Cornell University, school of ILR. While she nurtured her children she worked for many years at home typing thesis for graduate students. Previously, she worked as a secretary for Monsignor Cleary in the founding years of St. Catherine of Siena Church here in Ithaca.

She is survived by her loving husband, John Churey, children, Ann Marie (Ron) Ceurvels, Teenie Valentino, Mary (Maurie) Luther, John (Julie) Churey and Rose  Anne (Peter) Damian. and her grandchildren Brett, Heather, Brad (Ceurvels), Carl, Marie, Kathleen (Valentino), Brandan, Ian, Aaron, Maryanne (Luther), Jennifer,  Adam, Emily (Churey), Peter and Joseph (Damian), and many great grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her parents and siblings: Joseph and Magdalen Solvester Benedict, Mary Schano, Joseph Benedict, Elizabeth Leonardo, Valentine “Bill” Benedict, and her Churey family in laws. She is survived by her youngest brother, Francis Benedict, sister-in-law Barbara Benedict, and many nephews and nieces.

Calling hours will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Church on Tuesday, September 6 from 10:00- 11:00 am. Mass of Christian burial will begin at 11 am followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations in her name to Hospicare of Ithaca, Birthright of Ithaca, Immaculate Conception Church or St. Catherine of Siena Church.

Many thanks to the wonderful staff at Hospicare and all who made her lasts days peaceful.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Bangs Funeral Home, Ithaca, NY. Online condolences may be made to Josephine’s family at www.bangsfuneralhome.com.