After 93 years of a life beautifully lived, Josephine passed away surrounded by the love of her family, on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. She shared 40 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Gerard, until the time of his passing in 2001. She took great pride in being a mother to Joanne Warren (James), Cecilia (Deon Wright), and Lidia (Dave Ruscio) and Oma to Justin Wright (Caitlin), Sydney Taskar (Mike), Joshua Wright, Taryn Gazankas (Cole), Paige Gazankas, and Katie Warren and Great Oma to Vaughn Wright.
Josephine was born July 4, 1932 in Venray, Holland, and grew up in challenging times that shaped her strength of spirit. She immigrated to Canada with the DeByl family, met Gerard at a church dance, and married in 1962. In the early years of their marriage, Josephine and Gerard worked hard and made every penny count to buy a house and create a home filled with warmth and laughter.
Josephine spent her early years working at the General Hospital before leaving to raise her family and later becoming an early childhood caregiver. She valued life’s simple pleasures – gardening, canning what she grew or picked, trips to Traverse City, scenic drives in the car, knitting and card games with her close friends – where her quiet skill made her a humble card shark. Deeply devoted to her family, she valued education and strongly supported her daughters’ academic achievements. She championed women’s independence and inspired her daughters, and grandchildren, to be strong, independent and stand confidently on their own.
In her later years, she lived with dementia but never lost her feisty spirit. She cherished time spent with family, relished her cookies and coffee and sweet treats and shared countless giggles with her grandchildren over the silly moments that kept her light shining.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Collegiate Heights Retirement Home, and the Southbridge London Long Term Care Home for their compassion, support and excellent care. She leaves behind a legacy of love, quiet strength and remarkable resilience.
A private family service has taken place. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Alzheimer Society. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.northwoodfuneral.com