Obituary of Joan Printsky

Niskayuna - Joan J. Printsky, on October 12, 2014 followed her beloved son, Mark home, after a six month battle with respiratory issues. Joan was born September 2, 1929, the daughter of David and Mary Connolly. She was a graduate of St. Columba High School, and maintained close contact with her classmates, who celebrated their 50th high school reunion at her house, in 1977. As a bride, Joan amasses a group of women who became her true sisters of the heart, the members of the Schenectady County Home Bureau. Joan's years of service began in the 1960s. She always answered the call whom shall I send? It is I, Lord. Nuns were not allowed to drive themselves in those days. This was not welcomed by her son, for Joan received weekly detailed transgression reports on those market trips. Joan worked 28 years for the JC Penney Company and would laugh: I am their best customer in the jewelry department and continued her volunteer efforts while raising a family. Retirement provided more free time, so she added more activities; past president of the Schenectady County Home Bureau (an organization which provides yearly scholarships to area colleges, the Ellis Hospital School of Nursing along with many other community projects). In 2010 Joan was awarded the Woman Saying Yes to God, an honor of the Albany Diocese. She served the community by being a present member of AOH, the Circle of Friends at the Provincial House, the Bishop Gibbons Alumni Mothers Club, a communicant of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church and was a member of the Bereavement Committee. Widowed in December 2000, after 49 years of marriage to Joe Printsky. Joan maintained their house immaculately, living alone and continuing the family tradition of Tuesday night suppers. She never met a party she did not like. In June, Joan reluctantly accepted her daughters as parttime roomates, continuing to show us her innate mental strength and the fortitude of a devote Christian. Her faith remained rigidly unwavering. We have no doubt she was greeted with well done, good and faithful servant. Left to cherish her memory forever are her daughters, Mary (the late Matt ) Staccone, Shelly (Doug Ryan) Printsky Valek; daughter-in-law, Mary Beth LaBelle Printsky; her beloved grandchildren, Anthony (Anika) Staccone of Shanghasis, China, Joe Valek and Caroline Staccone; the Harrison and Des Biens families; her niece, Eileen Zak and her Home Bureau Sisters. Funeral service Thursday 8:15 a.m. from the Daly Funeral Home, Inc., 242 McClellan St., Schenectady and 9 a.m. at St. Kateri Tekawitha Church (Union St.) where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours Wednesday afternoon 3 to 7 in the evening at the funeral home. Interment St. Mary's Cemetery, Ft. Johnson. Memorial contributions may be made to the Schenectady County Home Bureau, 19 Van Vorst Dr., Burnt Hills, NY 12027. The family wishes to acknowledge: Dr. Saeed Kahn and Dr. Platt of the Schenectady Pulmonary, Dr. Benoit Tonneau and Dr. David Armenia. These physicians never forgot how much healing continues after all medical options are exhausted. The employees of Sunnyview and Ellis Hospital for every kindness extended above mandatory medical care. And of course, Fr. Bob Longobucco of 'It will always be St. Helen's to me'" along with Sister Betsey VanDeusen and Deacon Tom Sharrow.