Phyllis Joest

Phyllis Joest, former resident of Pine Bush, New York and Anna Maria, Florida, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the Valley View Nursing Home in Goshen, New York at the young age of 93. Phyllis was the daughter of Frank and Camilla Colangelo. She was born in Brooklyn, New York on November 20, 1917. Phyllis was married to Michael Cusato, Sr. of Pine Bush and was the widow of Rene Joest of Long Boat Key, Florida. She was also the sister of the late Dolores Jeronimo of Walker Valley, New York, and the late Inez Downing of Anna Maria, Florida. She is survived by her daughter Madeleine Cusato Canosa and her son-in-law Marshall Canosa of Pine Bush, New York, and her son Michael Cusato Jr. and his wife Carol of Anna Maria, Florida. Phyllis’ grandchildren are Andrea Lunney Schultz and her husband John of Castle Rock, Colorado, Marshall A. Canosa and his wife Kati of Advance, North Carolina, Michael F. Cusato and his wife Karen of Westport, Connecticut and Kristen Cusato of Faifield, Connecticut. Phyllis had one great grandchild, Mia Schultz of Castle Rock, Colorado. She also had many nieces and nephews. Phyllis graduated from The Poly Pratt institute of New York, and became a millner with her father. Later she opened up her own dress shop in Pine Bush. Phyllis was also a 4-H Leader. After she moved to Florida, Phyllis went back to school at the age of 50 and became an LPN, and was a private nurse for many years before moving back to Pine Bush. The family wants to extend its deepest appreciation and thanks to JoEllen, and Fiona and the staff at Glenmere 2 for the kindness, respect, and care given to Mom at Valley View. At the families request, services will be private. Donations may be made in Phyllis’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.