Obituary of Josephine M. Standish

Josephine Marie Standish, better known to most as "Pee Wee", age 92, of Watkins Glen, New York, passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at home. She was born September 5, 1930 a daughter of late James & Anna (Colunio) Compese. She was preceded in 2002 by her husband of 50 years Carl L. Standish, Sr., her sister and best friend, Eloise Specchio and brother Jamie Compese. She is survived by daughters, Ann (Mike) Hoyt of Watkins Glen, Joni Standish of Watkins Glen; sons, Carl (Janice) Standish, Jr. of Watkins Glen and Jeff (Terri) Standish of Breesport; eight grandchildren, Kerri-Ann (Mathew) Messecar of Corning NY, Patrick Moore Arkport, NY, Christie Standish of Watkins Glen, Carl (Krista) Standish, III of Watkins Glen, Brandon (Meghan) Standish of Cayce SC, James Standish of Watkins Glen, Jeffrey (Kaleigh) Standish of Conifer CO, Paige Standish of Breesport ; step-grandchildren, Ben (Vaughn) Hoyt and Tracie (Mike) McCarthy and families of Arkport, NY; ten great grandchildren: Brayden Howell, Thomas Moore, Tristan Rockwell, Mathew Santulli, Claire, Charlotte, Colette, Carlson Standish and Delaney, Magnolia Standish with the 11th little guy on the way. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Lewis Specchio and sisters-in-law, Janet Standish and Nancy Compese; special niece and nephew, Sandra (Justin) McMaster and Mark (Bonnie) Specchio; and by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Her whole life was devoted to her family and her work. She was a fantastic cook. Her spaghetti sauce or "gravy" as her son Skeet calls it and her pies were the best. She loved that her children shared her passion for cooking. Growing up our home was always the place to hangout. She enjoyed having all our friends at her house and for sure they didn't go home hungry. She was also a strong supporter of the "Squires". She loved her Yankees – especially Derek Jeter. She always enjoyed it when the cameras showed him walking away. If you know PeeWee, you know what I mean! She held many jobs in her lifetime. Nick's Red & White, Ray Dann's Super Duper, Bus Driver for WG School and drove the 1st BOCES Bus to Corning – I think they had to put blocks on the gas and brake pedals so she could reach them – Lol. She worked 12 years for Smith's IGA, 22 years for NYS Fire Academy, retiring at age of 77, and worked the next 10 years with her daughter Ann at the Unique Country Boutique or as a lot of people called it "Pee Wee's" store. She loved her Italian heritage and oh the stories she would tell. One of her proudest moments was having the honor of being the "Grand Marshall" for the Italian festival parade in 2016. She was the Matriarch of our family. She truly loved our family gatherings for Holidays and Birthdays. It was her joy and passion to have her family gathered sharing memories and laughing about all our antics of the past. We will continue to set a place for her at the head of the table and raise a glass or two in her honor and memory. A Special thanks to Dr. Donnelly for his care and kindness towards our Mom over the years. Our family is eternally grateful to our sister Joni, niece and nephew Christie & Tristan for all the loving care given to our mom over the past three years. You fulfilled mom's wish and we are forever thankful. For all of us you gave your best, now the time has come for you to rest. So go in peace, you've earned your sleep, your love and memories we'll eternally keep. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, May 19, 2023 from 4-7 pm at Haughey-Wood & Zinger Funeral Home, 119 Fifth St., Watkins Glen, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 10:00 am at St. Mary's of the Lake Church, 905 N. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, NY. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Seneca Santa, Watkins Glen Fire Department of St. Mary's of the Lake Church.