Obituary of Joan Cecilia Nies Zell

Joan Cecilia Nies Zell, age 83, of Syracuse, died February 4, 2014; born to the late Mildred and Jacob Nies, April 8, 1930. Joan is predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Jerry and son, Jim. Joan is survived by her children, Jerry Jr. (Cara) of Albany; John (Alicia), Jane, Joanne, and Joe (Alison) of Syracuse; Jeff (Kate) and Julie of Jackson, WY; loving cousin, Diane Collins; and her grandchildren, Lou, Eric, John, Kalia, Jack, Joe, Brad, and Ronin. Joan graduated from Syracuse University and was a member of the tri-Delta sorority. A devoted mother, wife, and homemaker, Joan worked as a secretary in the city schools, and spent her "spare time" joining forces with a group of women running the Demonstration Kitchen at the NY State Fair for 21 years, crafting many a gift for the church bizarre, skiing, golfing, tending to the garden, and playing bridge with friends. Please join us in sending "the Angel Lady," beloved mother, grandmother and dear friend Joan, off to the heavens with blessings and peace in St. Joseph's Chapel at Most Holy Rosary Church on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 10 a.m. The family will greet friends after the service in the Chapel, followed by a gathering at the Zell home in lieu of calling hours. Godspeed Joan, you will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Association, Upstate NY Chapter, 890 Seventh North St., Suite 108, Liverpool, NY 13088 or www.alsaupstateny.org.