Obituary of Joyce Patka

Joyce Casino Patka, 63, of Rotterdam, died Sunday, July 18, 2010, at Ellis Hospital, after a short illness. Joyce was born in Schenectady, the daughter of Joseph and Ann Barranco Casino. She was a graduate of Schenectady schools, earned her bachelor's from Castleton State Teachers College in Vermont and her master's from Albany State University. Mrs. Patka was a business teacher for the Mohonasen Central School District for 35 years, retiring in 2002. She will be remembered as a mentor to those whose lives she touched, a thoughtful giving person who enjoyed remembering and furthering the self esteem of her students and others. Mrs. Patka is survived by her husband of 39 years, Edward W. Patka; two daughters, Suzanne Patka of Tampa, FL, and Michelle Patka of Schenectady; two brothers, Joseph (Mary Ellen) Casino of Clifton Park and James (DonnaMary) Casino of Schenectady; brother-in-law, Herb Wiltsie; and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two siblings, Michael Casino and JoAnne Wiltsie. Funeral service Wednesday morning 9 o'clock at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours, Tuesday evening 5 to 8 at the Daly Funeral Home, Inc., 242 McClellan St., Schenectady. Interment private at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association , 2 Pine West Plaza, Albany, NY 12205 or the American Lung Assoc., 155 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12210.