Obituary of Josephine S. Harris

JOSEPHINE S. HARRIS Albany- Josephine Patricia Harris, 89, entered peacefully into eternal rest surrounded by her family on July 8, 2012 at St. Peter's Nursing & Rehabilitation Center under the care of Hospice. Josephine was born June 8, 1923 in Amsterdam NY and is the daughter of Katherine Budynkiewicz and Stanislaws Sowizdrzal. She was a graduate of Wilbur Lynch High School in 1941. Josephine was a homemaker and employed as a cashier at SUNY Albany until retiring. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 61 years, Douglas G. Harris. They resided in Amsterdam NY until 1957, moved to Albany NY and resided there until retirement. They enjoyed 25 wonderful years in Largo, Fl. She greatly enjoyed her family and friends spending time bowling, square dancing, knitting, cooking & summers camping in Pottersville. Josephine was the loving mother of Charles S. Harris (Carole) of Ballston Spa, Jeanne Austin-LaVoie (David) of Troy, Douglas Harris Jr. (Cathleen) of Slingerlands and Katherine Okurily (Michael) of Tucson, AZ. She is survived by one brother, John Sowizdrzal of Tribes Hill and one sister-in-law, Margaret Sowizdrzal of Plant City, Fl. She is predeceased by two brothers, Joseph Sowizdrzal & Edward Sowizdrzal and three sisters, Mary Flanigan, Lottie Dunn and Virginia Marcella. She is survived by her cherished grandchildren, Theresa Stewart, Christine Wickert, Gregory Harris, Brian Austin, Tara Austin-Novak, Kyle & Alexis Okurily, Benjamin & Ellen Harris & Caitlin LaVoie-Boshnack. And, her precious great-grandchildren, Emily, Spencer & Conner Wickert, Kyle & Ava Painter , Julian & Scarlett Novak and Davin Boshnack. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family extends heartfelt thanks to all the healthcare professionals at St. Peter's Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and Community Hospice. We hold dear to our hearts that she was affectionately nicknamed Josie, JoJo, Mama & Grandma Jo by those who grew to love her the way we do. In keeping with her wishes there is no visitation. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday July 16, 2012 at 11:15 am at St. Stanislaus Church, 50 Cornell Street, Amsterdam, NY. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Josephine Harris's memory to Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205. Inurnment will take place in St. John's Cemetery, Amsterdam. For information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com