Josephine C. Zysk

At the height of Spring's renewal, in the early hours of April 11, 2025, Josephine C. Rymut Zysk slipped peacefully and comfortably from the loving arms of her daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren; and into those of her spouse, siblings and parents who preceded her in death. Awaiting were her husband of 49 years, USAF Lt Col (retired) Edward Walter Zysk, her parents: Anna and John Rymut, her half brother, Eddie Rymut and her half sister, Estelle McGovern. Left to treasure a legacy of precious memories are her two daughters: Joanne Bell of Williamsburg, VA and Laraine Zysk of Henderson, NV; her grandchildren: Brian Bloodsworth of Washington, D.C.,Jason Bell of Brussels, Belgium, Kevin Bloodsworth of Columbus, OH, Jennifer Bell of Nashville, TN; and 5 great grandchildren.

A first generation Polish-American, Jo was born December 15, 1921 in Utica, New York, to Polish immigrants who instilled in her a love of country, hard work, commitment to family and the value of an education and life-long learning. She was the only member of her family to attend college, proudly earning a degree from Oneonta State Teachers College in Oneonta, New York. Jo taught second grade until 1945, when she married Edward Walter Zysk, also a native to Utica and a first generation Polish American. As the wife of an Air Force pilot and career officer, she traveled the world and the continental United States, never returning to Utica as a resident, but always considering it her childhood home; which held the experiences, relationships and treasured memories that formed whom she became.

First and foremost in Jo's life were her parents, husband and children. She was there to support them, enjoy them and make them consistently the object of her generosity. She was extremely proud of her parents and their accomplishments and dedication to the American Dream. Her childhood memories were steeped in the experiences of the Great Depression, yet those memories were never dreary. Instead, they were positive, and colorfully described, focused on the vegetable garden, and fishing at the lake, and simple but highly entertaining children's games. She advocated for her parents and devotedly cared for them until they, themselves, passed away.

Jo always created a home wherever the Air Force sent them, ones that were warm, welcoming and open to all. Invariably, they were interspersed with little curios that made one smile, or think or simply feel good. In later years, grandchildren and great grandchildren anticipated their visits where they knew Grandma's culinary skills would fill their bellies with babka, pierogi, pies and grilled cheese sandwiches! Games of all kinds were always part of these visits, especially croquet, and scrabble and gin rummy. Long nature walks were expected, and Grandma never refused an adventurous request if it pleased her grandchildren. It was her ready smile and perpetual optimism that lifted her family's spirits when the going got tough. Always young at heart, she would never decline a polka, or a good laugh at simple silliness. Her beautiful gifts of needlepoint and the dispersal of treasured belongings remain a cherished presence in the homes of her daughters and those of her grandchildren. The memories they conjure will forever keep her in their daily lives.

Jo adored nature, especially birds, deer, and family pets. She was constantly learning about different trees, bushes and flowers. Gardening was in her blood, especially growing a vegetable garden in the spring and summer months. The scent of lilacs and the beauty of falling snow brought great pleasure. The changing colors of fall, her favorite season, were extremely satisfying, and blueberry picking in the Adirondack Mountains was a favorite memory. Jo supported the Audubon Society and the National Humane Society, among other charitable institutions. Her empathy for suffering was especially present for children and animals and her vote always supported candidates who were “for the people”, as she would say. A voracious reader since childhood, Jo particularly loved Agatha Christie, Louise Penny and other genres of mystery and intrigue. Her library was extensive, from which she often pulled favored books to read again. Jo stayed well-informed about the issues of the country, and exerted the franchise for the final time in the 2024 Presidential election.

Josie, aka Miss Rymut, aka Jo, aka Mommy, Grandma and Great Grandma, led a full and meaningful life, rich in love, easy laughter, multiple interests, intense patriotism and robust experiences, and all were grounded to authenticity, truth and optimism. She passed peacefully in her sleep at the age of 103, maintaining, until her final breath, her dignity, her fierce independence and her impenetrable love for family. She will be buried beside her husband at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Quail House and Staff, 3695 E Quail Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89120 or to the charity of your choice.

Funeral services, in Nevada, for Josephine will be held Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Palm Mortuary Henderson, 800 South Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV 89015.