Joyce A. Casale

MOHAWK - Joyce Casale, 90, of Mohawk passed away, at home, on June 7th, 2025, with her loving family by her side.

Joyce was born on March 28th, 1935, to Rudolph and Minnie (Schulenberg) Schrader. She attended Herkimer High School, where she met her sweetheart and future husband, Anthony (Tony) Casale. Together, they shared almost 70 years of marriage built on love, devotion, and deep family values.

A dedicated wife and mother, Joyce worked many full-time jobs throughout the Mohawk Valley during her life, while still managing to raise three happy children. From Beech-Nut, Salada Tea, General Electric and finally to her retirement from Union Fork and Hoe, she learned, worked and excelled. She loved ‘piece work’ because that’s where you ‘make the money’ and kept pace with the best, male or female. But, whenever those two weeks of vacation came around, it was time to have fun. Tony often worked out of town on construction projects, so Joyce would pack up the kids and head off to wherever his job had led him. Whether in a small mobile home, rented cabin or travel trailer, those vacations were enjoyed throughout New York state.

Later, when the kids had grown up and she finally retired, Joyce enjoyed the simple pleasures of life - birdwatching, gardening (tomatoes!), garage sales, flea markets, and going on adventures with her daughter, Kim. Her greatest happiness came from spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought light and laughter into her days. “Joycey-Baby’s” warmth, strength and lively spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Joyce is survived by her children, Anthony & Amy Casale of Tryon, NC, Kimberly (Casale) Driscoll & Jim Frost of Mohawk, and Joseph & Suzanne Casale of Clifton Park; Grandchildren, Amanda (Casale) & Matt Cash of Salem, VA, Anthony & Sarah Casale of Mills River, NC, and Brett & Kate Driscoll of Ilion; Great-grandchildren, Luella Casale, Noah Hisert, and Emelia & Travis Driscoll; Siblings and in-laws, Janice Butler of Newport, Armeda LaBreche of Herkimer, Alan & Karen Schrader of Little Falls, Harold & Mary Schrader of Washington, George & Peggy Casale of Ilion, and Joseph Casale of Saratoga Springs; Many extended family and friends, and a very special cousin, Kathy Carpenter.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Anthony Casale, her parents, Rudolph & Minnie Schrader, and her siblings, Ivan Schrader, Rudy Schrader, Richard Schrader, Beverly Weber, and Patricia Smith.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the dedicated hospice nurses and home health aides (especially Shannon) whose compassionate care and support brought comfort to Joyce and the family during her final days.

The family will be holding a celebration of life at a later date. Their memorial plot rests at Calvary Cemetery in Herkimer, New York.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ilion Local 1185 in honor of Ilion Fire Department’s ongoing dedication and service to the Casale family.

All arrangements have been made with The Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors at 4309 Acme Road in Ilion, New York. (315) 894-8000.

This obituary may be viewed at the funeral home website by visiting www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.