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 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 survived by her husband of 55 years, Gerald, and their children and their spouses: Patricia (Lawson) Fowble, of Worcester, Paul Bushey, of Ilion, Peter (Lori) Bushey, Robert (Kate) Bushey, David (Laurie) Bushey, Joseph (Doreen) Bushey, all of Utica, Daniel (Rosalie)Bushey, of New Hartford, James (Jackie)Bushey, of Marcy, Ruby (Ronald) Beach and Jerry (Kelly)Bushey, of Schuyler, Matthew (Melissa)Bushey , of New Hartford, Irene (Jamie) Fazio, of Rochester and Mary (Joseph) Scalise, of Schuyler. She is also survived by her sister Patrica (Stan) Wood, of Plattsburgh, and her two brothers Gerald (Shirley) Gonyo and Harry (Bonnie )Gonyo, of Mooers, NY. She leaves her in-laws Clarence (Esther) Bushey, of Plattsburgh, Leda Bushey,of Ilion and Catherine (Charles) Thorne, of Glens Falls. Irene also leaves her grandchildren: Alyssa, Lawson (Beth), and Renee Fowble, Crystal (Eric) Mata, Paula ( John) Enlow, Michelle and Pamela Bushey, Michael (Jennifer), Megan and Keegan Bushey, Andrew and Cassandra Bushey, Melissa (fiancé, Michael Perkins), Amanda, Sarah, Kristina and Luke Bushey, Jessica, Joseph and Emily Bushey, Amber Wilson, Andrew and Joshua Bushey, James, Taylor and Ryan Bushey, Kyle and Patrick Beach, Gianna, Noah, Hannah and Moriah Bushey, Matthew Bushey, Katie and Jenna Fazio, Isabella, Jacob & Brianna Scalise. Irene was blessed to have seven great grandchildren: Kayla Snyder, Alexander Enlow, Julianna Bushey, MiaBella Mata, Jaina &Gwynn Fowble and Jamarhy Bushey. Irene also leaves many nieces and nephews. Irene was pre-deceased by her 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. The Bushey family would like to thank the nursing staff on 3 West at St.Luke's Hospital, The Visiting Nurses Association, Hospice and US Cares for all their care and support of Irene in her final days. Mrs. Bushey's funeral will be on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at St. Peter's Church, Coventry Ave., North Utica at 11:00 am. Calling hours will be on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm 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.