Early in the morning of August 30, 2024, Zelia Elizabeth (McCarthy) Bohsen suddenly and unexpectantly crossed The Rainbow Bridge to forever be reunited with her parents, brothers, friends and dogs and cats.
Zelia was born in Brooklyn, NY on July 4, 1952 to Amelia and George McCarthy as their eighth and final child. As would be fitting for a July 4th baby, “Ze” would live life as an independent ball of energy and passion (she was almost named “Independence”). After the passing of her mother when Zelia was 10 years of age, she was moved to be raised by her oldest sister Pat and her husband John O’Leary in the bucolic seaside village of Manchester-By-The-Sea, MA. She became the “big Sister” to their children Brian and Deirdre. Initially she struggled in her new environment having a unique name and a NYC accent, but in time thrived in a way one can in a home filled with love and her own dog, a Golden Retriever named Penny. Once in high school she excelled in academics, was a popular cheerleader, played all sports and especially enjoyed her science classes. Upon graduating from Manchester High School in 1970, she was accepted into the prestigious Malden (MA) Hospital School of Nursing in the Registered Nurse program.
Her ambition to become a RN propelled her through studies and resulted in graduating in the spring of 1973 with her degree. To top it off, later that summer she passed her Massachusetts Nursing Licensing boards on the very first try, quite an accomplishment at that time! Shortly thereafter she began her professional career as a Staff Nurse at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Boston.
She met her future husband, Randy Bohsen, in 1976 as they both worked at Beverly Hospital in Beverly, MA and were married in July 1977 at Sacred Heart Church in Manchester. They then moved to Greenville, SC and in 1978 moved again to Atlanta, GA where she continued as a RN specializing in critical care.
Zelia was an animal lover of all sizes, big and small, from the behemoths of Africa to the hummingbirds in the backyard garden. It was in Atlanta that her passion for Golden Retrievers exploded as they founded Daystar Golden Retrievers and they traveled regionally showing their beloved dogs. As you might expect, there was also a huge spot in her heart for cats, especially ones needing a second chance in a forever home. In 1990 it was time for a final move as Randy was transferred to the Kansas City, MO area. Zelia loved the area except (as she frequently reminded me), the nearest ocean was more than 1,000 miles away!
Ze fell in love with the house they bought at first sight; after all, it was a New England styled Cape Cod with plenty of acreage for the dogs and peace and quiet. The success of Daystar Goldens continued as showing expanded further now being based in the middle of the country. Zelia continued nursing, working in a large Kansas City hospital, then downsizing to the local hospital in Excelsior Springs and further to a long-term care facility nearby until her retirement this summer, after 50 years of nursing.
Zelia is preceded in death by her brothers Georgie, Tommy, Bobby and Jimmy, all of Long Island, NY and her nephew Brian of California and niece DeeDee of Marblehead, MA. She is survived by her brother John McCarthy of Whippany, NJ, sisters Pat Steach of Manchester, Susan Ward of Clearwater, FL, sister-in-law Ronnie McCarthy of Bellmore, NY and brother-in-law Lynn Bohsen of Ipswich, MA along with a multitude of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Zelia by making a donation to your local animal shelter. God Bless.
