Rita S. Joslin, of Blossvale

BLOSSVALE » Rita S. Joslin of Blossvale, N.Y., formerly of Oneida, N.Y., was peacefully reunited with her beloved husband on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017.

Rita was born on June 7, 1925 in Utica, N.Y., the middle child of Alexander B. and Regina Herman Scholl. She was united in marriage to Clarence “Josh” Joslin on Aug. 10, 1946 at Historical Old St. John’s Church, Utica, N.Y. They shared a loving 66-year relationship until Josh’s passing in December 2012.

In her early years, Rita worked for New York Telephone, where she met Virginia Joslin Albin, who insisted Rita meet her only brother Clarence (Josh). A match made in heaven! Soon after their marriage, they relocated to Oneida, N.Y.

Rita was an avid gardener who took great pride in her beautiful gardens and was a member of the Oneida Castle Garden Club. She was active member of St. Patrick’s Parish, where she was instrumental in creating and maintaining the food pantry. She also was the bookkeeper for St. Patrick’s bingo, where Josh was a caller for many years. Rita enjoyed bowling and Canasta with her dear friends. She was a member of the Chenango Water Club where she enjoyed water therapy together with her son Bill for over 25 years.

Rita and Josh spent considerable time flipping homes well before that became a popular trend. They also enjoyed traveling to Aruba and other exotic locations with sister Ag and Walt Hooks and Josh’s sister Virginia Albin. Especially in her later years, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her tremendous joy. She was also a member of St. Helena’s Church in Sherrill, N.Y.

Rita is survived by her three daughters, Marianne (Roger) Cussins of Northwood, N.H., Kathleen (Michael) Donegan of Oneida, N.Y. and Nancy/ Dolly (Robert) Bage of Blossvale, N.Y., where she resided for the past two years. She is also survived by two sons, Michael (Maureen) Joslin of Wallingford, Conn., and William C. Joslin of Chicopee, Mass. She also leaves 11 grandchildren: Michelle (Ken) Wood of Hollis, N.H.; Sarah (Rob) DeClemente of Gaithersburg, Maryland; Kim (Evan) ScottDonegan of Ft. Collins, Colo.; Colleen (Pat) Salisbury of Oneida, N.Y.; Patrick Donegan of Montpelier, Vt.; Seth and Kevin Joslin both of Newport, R.I.; Erin (Joe Jacques) Joslin of N. Grafton, Mass.; Mark Joslin of Braintree, Mass.; Jennifer (Lawrence) Tobin of Woodbridge, Va.; and Thomas (Emily) Sorbello of Canastota, N.Y.

She will be dearly missed by her 19 greatgrandchildren. Rita was also dearly loved by her special aide Judi Cusworth. Rita is also survived by three sistersin-law, Lois Kennedy, Hazel Pugh and Linda Gilmore.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her sisters Agnes and Lois and her brothers Vincent and Joseph and their spouses, as well as six sisters-inlaw.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, Nov. 27, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Malecki Funeral Home Inc., 464 Sherrill Road, Sherrill, N.Y., 13461. Rita’s funeral service will be held Monday at 1 p.m. at the funeral home immediately following calling hours. Burial will follow in St. Helena’s Cemetery, Middle Road, Oneida, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Rita may be sent to St. Patrick’s Food Pantry, 347 Main St., Oneida, NY 13421. Online condolences may be sent to maleckifuneralhome.com