Mrs. Irene J. Bushey, 74, of Russet Bush Rd, Utica, and Caroga Lake, New York, passed away on Friday, November 20, 2009, after a brief illness with her loving family by her side. Irene was born in Mooers, New York, on March 24, 1935, to Peter and Dorothy Gonyo. On July 31, 1954, she married Gerald A. Bushey at St. Joseph's Church in Mooers, New York.

Gerald and Irene moved to the Utica area in 1965. From 1965 to 1973, they ran Latham Trailer Sales on Rt. 5 in Schuyler. In 1973, they established G&I Homes Inc., which grew from one location to its current five locations. They ran the business until their retirement in 1998. At that time, they passed their business to eight of their children.

Irene was a devoted wife and loving mother to her husband, Gerald, her thirteen children, and cherished her 39 grandchildren and her seven great-grandchildren. Special times that were shared by the family were: Christmas Eve, Fourth of July picnics at the lake and their 50th wedding anniversary family cruise. She is best remembered for her wonderful sense of humor. She also had a gift for telling stories and passed many of her childhood memories onto her children and grandchildren. Irene and her husband were avid travelers, visiting such places as South Africa, New Zealand, and Singapore. They also enjoyed spending their winters in Florida and their summers at their home on Caroga Lake.

Irene is also survived by: her sister, Patrica (Stan) Wood, of Plattsburgh; and her two brothers, Gerald (Shirley) Gonyo and Harry (Bonnie) Gonyo of Mooers, N.Y. She leaves her in-laws, Clarence (Esther) Bushey of Plattsburgh, Leda Bushey of Ilion and Catherine (Charles) Thorne, of Glens Falls.

Irene was predeceased by: two granddaughters, Nicole and Kirsten Bushey; her parents, Peter and Dorothy Gonyo; her sister, Margaret Monette; her brothers, Charles, Earl and Arnold Gonyo; her in-laws, Fraser and Ruby Bushey and Gladys Bushey.

Mrs. Bushey's funeral will be on Wednesday, November 25, 2009, at St. Peter's Church, Coventry Ave., North Utica at 11:00 a.m. Calling hours will be on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., North Utica. A private burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hope House, Notre Dame High School or Hospice. Envelopes will be provided at the funeral home. Online messages of sympathy may be made at www.heintzfuneralservice.net.