The Excelsior Standard, Sept. 20, 2024

Early in the morning of Aug. 30, 2024, Zelia Elizabeth (McCarthy) Bohsen suddenly and unexpectantly crossed The Rainbow Bridge to forever be reunited with her parents, brothers, friends, dogs and cats.

Zelia was born July 4, 1952, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Amelia and George McCarthy as their eighth and final child. As would be fitting for a July 4 baby, “Ze” would live as an independent ball of energy and passion. She was almost named “Independence.”

After the passing of her mother when Zelia was 10 years old, she was moved to be raised by Pat, her oldest sister; and Pat’s husband, John O’Leary, in the bucolic seaside village of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass. She became the “big sister” to their children, Brian and Deirdre.

Initially, she struggled in her new environment, having a unique name and a New York accent. But in time, she thrived in a way one can in a home filled with love and her own dog, a golden retriever named Penny.

In high school, she excelled in academics, was a popular cheerleader, played all sports and especially enjoyed her science classes. Upon graduating in 1970 from Manchester High School, she was accepted into the prestigious Malden (Mass.) Hospital School of Nursing in the registered nurse (RN) program.

Her ambition to become an RN propelled her through her 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 her first try – quite an accomplishment then! 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 (Mass.) Hospital and were married in July 1977 at Sacred Heart Church in Manchester. They then moved to Greenville, S.C.; and in 1978, they moved again to Atlanta, where she continued as an 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 also was 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 metro 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-style Cape Cod with plenty of acreage for the dogs, and peace and quiet.

The success of Daystar Goldens continued, as showing expanded with 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 was preceded in death by her brothers, Georgie, Tommy, Bobby and Jimmy, all of Long Island, N.Y.; nephew, Brian of California; and niece, DeeDee of Marblehead, Mass.

She is survived by her brother, John McCarthy of Whippany, N.J.; sisters, Pat Steach of Manchester and Susan Ward of Clearwater, Fla.; sister-in-law, Ronnie McCarthy of Bellmore, N.Y.; and brother-in-law, Lynn Bohsen of Ipswich, Mass. A multitude of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews also survive her.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Zelia by making a donation to your local animal shelter. God bless!

Arrangements are in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.