Obituary of Rosalie Joyce Rush

Rosalie Joyce (Joy) Rush of Rock Hill passed away in Middletown on September 30, 2014. She was 78 years old. The daughter of hard working parents, the late John and Isabel (Conlyn) Savage, Joy was born in Brooklyn, NY on July 28, 1936, one of seven children. She is pre-deceased by her husband Vincent F. Rush in 2012. Although she grew up in Brooklyn's Fort Hamilton neighborhood and loved life in New York City, Joy was very proud of her family's ancestral ties to Orange County as her mother was born in Pine Island. She spoke fondly of her visits to her mother's family in Middletown when she was growing up. Joy was deeply devoted to serving people and the Lord. After graduating from Fontbonne Hall Academy in Brooklyn in 1954, she spent five years as a novitiate with the Sisters of Saint Dominic convent in Amityville where she taught elementary school while preparing for life as a nun. After leaving the convent, she worked for American Express in Manhattan for several years where she met Vincent and was married in 1962. Shortly after her marriage, she moved to Sullivan County and lived at home in Rock Hill until her passing. Joy enjoyed sewing, cooking, and all kinds of music; especially Celtic music. Most of all, Joy's life was about her family; she enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed learning and philosophy; and was a member of the Cardinal Mindszenty Foundation, a worldwide educational organization which provides information on secular attacks on faith and family values; persecutions and abuses of human rights around the globe; and upholds the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church. Joy also worked for Sullivan County at The Recovery Center in Monticello during the 1980's, a social services organization which supported those afflicted with chemical dependency and mental health issues. Joy is survived by her four children: Robert J. Rush of Seal Beach, CA; Paul V. Rush and his wife Eliane of Grahamsville, Matthew S. Rush and his wife Zigrid of Highlands Ranch, CO; Maureen T. Stewart (Rush) and her husband Mark of Fairplay, CO. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Jenny Rush of Worms, Germany; Eileen Rush of Dieburg, Germany; Sean and Daniel Rush of Grahamsville; and Cullin and Riley Stewart of Fairplay, CO. She has two surviving brothers and sisters-in-law: James and Marie Savage of New York City; and Stephen and Marie Savage of the state of Florida. Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, October 3 from 5-8pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home, 401 Broadway in Monticello. Her funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 4 at 10am at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Broadway and Liberty Street in Monticello. Burial will follow at the Sullivan County Veterans Cemetery in Liberty. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Peter's Church, 10 Liberty Street, Monticello, NY 12701. Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com