Leda F. Bushey

Leda F. Bushey, 88, of N. Utica, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center in New Hartford, with her loving family by her side.

Leda was born in Plattsburgh, NY, on February 10, 1937, the daughter of Fraser and Ruby (Pratt) Bushey. She was raised in Mooers, NY, and was a proud graduate of Mooers High School and Albany Business School. For 42 years until her retirement, Leda was employed at SUNY Plattsburgh, where she dedicated her career to serving students in the Registrar's Office. Grounded by her Catholic faith, she believed in the importance of faith and family in everyday life.

A woman of warmth and kindness, Leda loved her family above all else. She delighted in creating lifelong memories through her love of traveling with her family, especially to Orange Lake in Florida. She had a special gift for nurturing close bonds across generations and, over the years, enjoyed holding three generations of babies in her arms. She deeply loved her nieces and nephews as if they were her own children, developing a gentle, caring bond with each one.

Her talents extended to knitting and crocheting, and she lovingly made sure all her family members received handmade Christmas stockings and other cherished keepsakes. Family gatherings, especially weddings, were occasions she eagerly looked forward to, where she reveled in celebrating love and in the company of those she adored.

Leda is survived by her sister, Catherine Thorne, as well as 18 cherished nieces and nephews, numerous great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Gladys Bushey (Madona Bettit), two brothers, Gerald (Irene) Bushey and Clarence (Esther) Bushey, brother-in-law, Charles Thorne, and nephews, Charles Thorne and James Beach.

Visitation for family and friends is Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 10:00 -11:00 AM at St. Peter's Church, 422 Coventry Ave., N. Utica, followed by a funeral Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 AM at the conclusion of visitation. She will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Utica. Those wishing to donate in Leda's memory, please consider The Kelberman Center, 2513 Sunset Ave., Utica, NY 13502 (www.kelberman.org). Envelopes will be available at church.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Sitrin Healthcare Center in New Hartford for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion they showed Leda.