Josephine Ference

Josephine Ference (nee Sady), age 102, Beloved wife of Frank (deceased). Dear mother of John, Frank, Jr. (deceased), Joan Edington (David), Ron, Michael, and Jeffrey. Cherished grandmother of 12 and great-grandmother of 9. Dear aunt and friend to many.

 Josephine was born in central Pennsylvania in 1923. As a member of the Greatest Generation, she and her six siblings endured the hardships of the Great Depression, and she later sent the love of her life, Frank, off to serve in the war in Europe. At just 17, she supported the war effort by traveling to Baltimore, where she became “Josie the Riveter,” helping assemble flying boats used to rescue downed pilots. Josephine and Frank chose to raise their six children in Cleveland, where they helped build St. Mary’s Church in Parma, Ohio. Deeply devoted to her faith and her church community, she was an active member of the choir, bowling league, and the Love of God Sodality. She also generously shared her time and talents as the church treasurer well into her 90s, only stepping back when she decided it was time to travel cross-country by train and see more of the America she loved. 

To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was a constant source of love and comfort. Whether at the park or visiting the many animal shelters she supported, she made sure life’s lessons were gently passed on and never forgotten.She will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Her love, strength, and gentle wisdom will continue to guide us every day, a lasting gift she leaves behind.

Family suggests donations to Northeast Ohio SPCA Pet Shelter, 9555 Brookpark Rd, Parma, OH 44129 - https://northeastohiospca.org.

Services will be held on Thursday, April 30 at 10:00 am at St. Mary Polish National Catholic Church, 5375 Broadview Road, Parma, 44134. PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH.

FRIENDS MAY CALL AT THE DONALD A. FAULHABER FUNERAL HOME, 7915 Broadview Road (at Sprague) on Wednesday, April 29 from 4-7 pm.