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Josephine Alice Howsam

January 20, 2020

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Josephine Howsam after a brief illness.

Born in Penticton, B.C. Josephine was the oldest of three daughters of Joseph & Alice Howsam. Josephine’s childhood and youth were spent in Coldstream, an area she always loved.

Josephine had an adventurous spirit and loved spending time in nature. A warm and friendly person she made many close friends whose companionship she valued. When asked what the highlight of her life was she responded “spending time with family”.

Josephine conquered cancer 10 years ago but when it returned in the fall of 2019 she no longer had the strength to defeat it. During her hospitalization the support and visits of her many close friends meant a great deal to her as well as to her family. The family also wish to thank the doctors and nursing staff at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver for the excellent care she received.

Josephine is survived by her sisters, Jean Howsam of Harrison and Anne (John) Donnelly of Vernon, nieces and nephews Andrea Howsam-Meister, Adriene Howsam-Meister, Michael Donnelly and Kristina Donnelly as well as four great-nieces and nephews. Josephine was pre-deceased by both parents, aunt Dorothy White and niece Aleisha Howsam-Meister.

In respect of her wishes no memorial service will be held. Josephine always loved nature and hoped that friends wishing to do so would enjoy a walk in her memory. We will all remember her famous giggle.

Those wishing to do so may make donations in Josephine’s memory to St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation or the charity of their choice.

You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.

Messages of Condolence

I had the great pleasure of working with Josephine since January 2019. She was well loved by all here at the office. I will remember with fondness her warm smile and signature giggle. I am honoured to have called her a friend.

- Laura

My deepest condolences on Josephine's passing to her family. I met her when I joined Miller Thomson in the summer of 2019 and we would always briefly chat in the office and went for lunch. I felt a huge amount of sorrow when Josephine became ill and quit work. I miss her daily. She had such an infectious spirit and way about her and drew people in with her personality. The world has lost a wonderful person.

- Darlene Purdy

I do send my sincere condolences on the passing of Josephine, or Jo as we called her at the office. Jo was supposed to be with Miller Thomson only for a few months but we liked her so much she stayed indefinitely. Jo had a tremendous impact on the people here, we were very blessed to have her as part of our family for a short period of time.

- Heather Jones

Josephine was a lovely warm and caring person who loved life! She will be deeply missed.

- Jean Chose

It was a joy to work with Jo this past year. Her smile and twinkly eyes lit up the day, and she is greatly missed. Condolences to the family for the loss of a lovely lady.

- Allison Bone

I was caught of guard at the news of Jo's passing - she never let on that anything was wrong. She did love life and we enjoyed many adventures together. I will miss you Jo! I picture you laughing, as you dance along a path lit by fireflies.

- Judy Talas

My sincere condolences to Jean and family. I have never had the pleasure of meeting Josephine but if she was as wonderful as her sister Jean she must of been a great lady and friend to many.

- Lina Evans-Davies

Jean and family, Dick and I are so saddened by your news. We will keep you in our thought and prayers. Xxoo Bet

- BettyAnn Moulton

Deepest condolences. Have sweet memories of Josephine from her smile & kindness to that giggle of hers.

- Lorraine Erickson

I was so sad to hear of Josephine's passing. She was such a lovely, joyful person who always had a smile on her face and a warm greeting on her lips. Josephine will be sorely missed by all who had the good fortune to have known her. My deepest condolences to her family.

- Flora Lew

We are saddened by your news Jean sorry for your loss Dorothy and Alan

- Dorothy Cresswell

Josephine was a co-worker of mine and I will always remember her cheerful and friendly personality. I am so sorry to hear of her passing and would like to express my sincere sympathies to her family and friends during this difficult time.

- Paula Stregger

Dear Josephine, seeing your picture just now caused me to realize just how much I miss you. I know your sisters will miss you, and miss you, and miss you. You loved them, and all your family very much---especially your Grandmother. Thank you for sharing dinners, walks, talks, and drives together. The day we drove to Leavenworth at Christmas was a highlight. You stood by me and encouraged me over family matters, were an encouragement as we studied together, and a supporter of my venture into organic gardening. I'm delighted you realized your goal of working as a paralegal and enjoyed the "really good people" that you worked with in your various jobs. Eternal blessings.

- Diane Climie

Rest In Peace, Jo! Always, ~Phoebe

- Phoebe

I miss Jo very much. She was always friendly, willing to chat and had such a lovely giggle. So great at helping you out when you needed it. I will never forget her and I am so glad that she came to work in our office and that we had her for as long as we did. She was truly a shining light in our days. My deep condolences to her family. She was much loved in our office. Isobel (or Issy) as she used to call me.

- Isobel Cuthill

I had the pleasure of working with Josephine for the past 3 years. Her smile could lift me up even on the worst of days. She will be deeply missed, and I am very glad she was in my life.

- Marley

I met Jo through our Community Garden. She was an enthusiastic member. I had the pleasure of working on the council together. I enjoyed our conversations, her laugh and her extreme kindness to me during difficult times. I will miss her very much but will think of her every time I tend my garden. Condolences to all her family and friends.

- Liz Choquette

Josephine was a dear friend of our community garden at Riverfront Park and we enjoyed our many gardening moments together. We will miss her so much and we are very blessed to have been able to call her our friend. Rest in peace.

- Ronald Jan Ouwerkerk

I have the pleasure of getting to know Josephine through the community garden she was involved in. From the moment I met Josephine I couldn’t believe how kind and sweet she was. Like so many people have said her smile and giggle brought joy to many people. I didn’t know Josephine very long but in the two years that I did I appreciated and left her spirit and kind ways. I send my condolences to her family and her sisters.

- Kathy Snowden

Sending my deepest condolences to her family and friends.

- Chellaine

I met Josephine through our community garden. She was always thoughtful and kind. We would chat on Fridays in the garden after the work week was through - I would find her tending her garden plot, sometimes after dark when she was able to get there. She was an asset to the gardening group and served on council for several years. She is missed. My condolences to her family and those friends whose lives she touched.

- Jan Sherman

I was very sorry to learn of Jo's passing. While I did not know her well, I remember her passing me words of strength on several occasions. She was a positive light in our community garden. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones.

- Jill Lunde

I was saddened to find out that Josephine had passed. I worked with her for a few years and I will was always remember her smiling face and caring ways. She will be missed.

- Claire Thomas

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