Joyce C. Brindisi

Joyce C. Brindisi, 52 of James St. retired Educational Administrator at Upstate Cerebral Palsy passed away on Saturday December 14, 2013 at Strong Memorial Hospital with her lifelong partner Kathy holding her hand. Joyce was born in Utica on December 26, 1960, to Anthony and Martha Giganti Brindisi. Joyce grew up in Deerfield and attended St. Peter's Elementary School in North Utica and graduated from Notre Dame High School. Music always brought great joy to Joyce and throughout her Jr High and High School years she was a member of the folk group at St. Peter's, JM Quinn Productions. Joyce's interest in science and love of animals lead her to attain her BS in Zoology from SUNY Oswego, with a goal of working at the San Diego Zoo in CA. When health issues prevented her from reaching this goal she refocused her career to Education. Subsequently she attended and graduated from the College of St. Rose in Albany obtaining a Master's Degree in Special Education after that she graduated from SUNY Cortland where she earned her Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration. Ms. Brindisi taught junior high Science and Math at St. Frances DeSales School in Utica and later held many long term substitute positions in junior high and high school science at Adirondack, Town of Webb, Remsen and Whitesboro. In 1991, she began her career in Special Education at Upstate Cerebral Palsy as a Special Education teacher and later Education Director at the Upstate Cerebral Palsy Rome Campus. Joyce retired in 2010 due to illness. Joyce lived life to the fullest, never taking anything for granted and appreciating every opportunity and experience presented to her. Her positive outlook and zest for life were an inspiration to everyone she met, as she never questioned what life presented her. The greatest love of Joyce's life was her family. She leaves her best friend, soul mate and life partner of 26 years, Kathy Klosner. Her mother, Martha Brindisi of Deerfield. Joyce was predeceased by her father Anthony Brindisi in 1991. She leaves one very special brother and sister in law, David and KeKe Brindisi, her nephew Danny Brindisi and niece Julie (Tim) Mierek, all of Deerfield; one very special sister, Jill Jennings of Lincolndale N.Y. and nephews Steven Jennings and Sean Jennings both attending the University of Maine at Orno. Joyce had a passion for nature and loved animals. She also leaves four furry lights of her life, her four dogs Bentley, Bogart, Bailey and Baxter and their feline counterparts Merlin, Obie, Snowball, Tiger, Dunkin and Smuf. No words can adequately express the our gratitude for the exceptional care and support provided by Dr. Eric Yoss, Dr. Fred Talerico, Nurse Practioner Pat Rosati and the incredible nursing and respiratory therapy teams at St. Elizabeth's ICU and Special Care units. Visitation will be held Wednesday December 18, 2013 from 3pm -7pm at the Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville with a service held from 7pm-8pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Upstate Cerebral Palsy 1020 Mary St. Utica, NY 13501 or to the Boonville Fire Company Ambulance Fund, PO Box 164, Boonville, NY 13309