Obituary of Josephine Wilhelm
Peacefully, after a brief illness, on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Niagara Ina Grafton Gage Village, in her 101st year. Beloved wife of the late Michael (1992). Loving mother to Christine Renaud (Andre) and Betty Rewolinski (Vance). Dear and treasured Oma to Michelle (Alex), Ursa and Todd. Cherished aunt, great-aunt, great-great-aunt of many family members in Canada and Europe.
Josephine was born in Bainet, Romania in 1923, the youngest child of Johann and Wilhelmina Babiasch. She and Mike married in 1947, after meeting at her brother Joe’s wedding near Bamberg, Germany. After moving to Canada in 1949, they lived first in Edmonton and then settled in St. Catharines to raise their daughters. Josie worked as a pattern cutter at Warren Knits and on the canning line at Boese Fruit Canning Co. She was a founding member of Club Heidelberg and its Ladies’ Auxiliary and enjoyed many trips back to Europe over the years, especially to Germany to visit family. She will be fondly remembered for her good humour, her beautiful crochet and needlework, and her delicious cooking and baking. Josie’s family would like to thank staff at Niagara Ina Grafton Gage Village for more than 30 years of care, love, and service.
Josie is resting at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton St. with visiting hours on Thursday, May 2 from 2-4 and 6-8pm. Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Alfred Church in St. Catharines at 11am on Friday, May 3 followed by the rite of committal in Victoria Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Niagara Ina Grafton Gage Foundation and/or the Canadian Cancer Society.
For those of you whom wish to Celebrate Josephine's Funeral Mass with us via livestream, please click the following link: Livestream Link