ALBANY – Isabel Galea Bussey, 96, of Albany, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2015 at St. Peter’s Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Isabel was born in Albany to Joseph and Mary Audino Galea and was a lifelong resident. A graduate of St. James School and the Cathedral Academy, she was employed by the John G. Myers Company, and for many years thereafter by the State of New York, retiring from the Workers Compensation Board. She was a communicant of the former St. Margaret Mary’s Church. Isabel was an Elk, only the second woman admitted to full membership in Albany Elks Lodge #49. She also served as a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader, volunteered at the Albany Institute of History and Art, at Cherry Hill, and with the American Red Cross and United Volunteers. Her greatest joy was her family.
Isabel was predeceased in 2007 by her beloved husband of over 54 years, Frank B. Bussey. She is survived by her children Catherine Bussey Gabriels of Albany, Brian J. Bussey (Anne C.) of Albany, and Mary Ellen Bussey of Scotia; her grandchildren Lauren Persons (Craig), and Kaitlyn, Allyson, and Brian Bussey; by two great-grandchildren, Riley Odom and Taylor Persons; and by a nephew and great nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers John, Joseph, Angelo (Elizabeth), Frank, and Dominick Galea, and by her sister, Theresa Galea Gizzo, and brother-in-law, Anthony Gizzo.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Saturday morning at 8:15, and from there to All Saints Catholic Church, 16 Homestead St., Albany (behind CVS) at 9:00. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Friday from 4-7 p.m. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY 12204, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Click here to view Isabel’s resting place in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, NY 12204.
Roe Patton
January 28, 2015 at 6:15 amMy deepest sympathy on the loss of your Matriarch, Isabel Bussey. She had a very full life; centered around a wonderful family whom she loved deeply. I feel very fortunate to have been included in some of those family gatherings . Those are the memories we can share as we keep her in our hearts forever. All my love, and prayers. Roe
Tricia Neill
January 28, 2015 at 6:33 amMy deepest condolences to all the Bussey family. I hope you all find peace in this time of loss. I haven’t seen “Mrs. Bussey” in many years, but I can still hear her voice.
Joe Galea
January 28, 2015 at 7:39 amMy Great Aunt Isabel was a most worthy member of what author Tom Brokaw defined as “The Greatest Generation”, a generation which is sorely missed and one we can all thank and continue to learn from. God bless you Aunt Isabel.
Cindy Japikse
January 28, 2015 at 7:47 pmCatherine, although I never met her your mom seems like an extroidinary lady ! She was lucky to have had you as a daughter, you were always there for her! Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers !
Pauline Gizzo Hawse
January 29, 2015 at 9:23 amTo: Cathy Ann, Brian, and Mary Ellen and family:
We all want to extend our Deepest Sympathy to all of you and your family. We heard from Tina Gally Pasierb about your Mom. i called the family. Aunt Carm 85, Unlce Tom 93 and Aunt Ida, 96 and Madelene Lucadamo. They all knew your Mom. We are all on Uncle Tony’s side of the family. She was a great lady and we all will miss her.
Pauline Gizzo Hawse
Erin Gabriels Bazinet
January 30, 2015 at 11:09 amI will always remember Mrs. Bussey’s sweet smile. She had a wonderful way of making you feel at ease. Love and prayers Catherine. You make me feel the same way.
Ray Moran
January 31, 2015 at 12:04 amCatherine,
Please accept my sympathies for you and your family. It’s been a long journey for everyone. Trust that your mother has received the peace that she deserves.
Ray