Obituary of Josephine D. Elias

Josephine (Calenzo) Elias Utica, New York Mrs. Josephine D. Elias, age 89, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2014 with her family by her side. Born in Utica on December 27, 1924, Josephine was the daughter of the late Andrew and Angeline (Clemente) Calenzo. She was joined in marriage on May 5, 1946 to Byron Elias Sr. sharing a beautiful life together for 31 years before his passing in November 1978. Josephine was a loving and devoted Mother and friend and her life revolved around family and friends. Josephine leaves behind two sons. Kenneth Elias and partner David Veselsky and Byron Elias Jr. and wife Angela. She also leaves two granddaughters, Christine Elias Spiak and her husband John and Michelle Elias and fiancé Dan Macdonald. Josephine was blessed to have a great granddaughter Emily Spiak. Josephine will be greatly missed, but her memory will live in our hearts forever. Josephine also leaves behind her sister-in-law Mary Calenzo and dear friend Dolores Ganim. In addition, many nieces and nephews; especially her nephew Andrew Convertino and wife Linda, her nephew Dennis Nicotera and wife Jennifer and niece Joanne DeStafano. She leaves many close friends at the Brook Apartments, including special friends Jackie VanNort and Tina Caggese. She was predeceased by her sisters Angeline (Angelo) Convertino, Jenny Calenzo, Philomenia (John) Nicotera, and brother Pasqaule Calenzo. In addition to all of her husband’s brothers, sisters and their spouses. The family would like to thank Dr. Booth, her primary care physician and guardian angel, along with Caroline and his staff for 25 years of devoted care. We would also like to thank two nurses, Stephanie and Gary, along with the many nurses and physicians at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center for their tender loving care to Josephine and her family. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Memory of Josephine to the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory, Utica, NY. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hollis Funeral Home. A mass with Christian burial will take place on Friday, January 10, 2014 at 10:00 am at St. Louis Gonzaga Church.