Josephine L. Smar (Strike) was the oldest daughter of Francis and Laura (Szramowski) Strike. She was born and raised in Mt Carmel, Pa with her sister Regina, and two brothers Francis and Edward.

Josephine never had children of her own, but gave a mother’s love to many. She was the embodiment of Christ’s teachings. Her capacity to find the good in everyone never found its limits. Her compassion and generosity were not of this world. Anyone to cross her path was left a gift of love and joy.

She was brought up during the great depression. Her family owned a small coal mine and a convenience store. This humble upbringing led to a life without waste. She discovered great value in that which many deemed worthless.

When asked her favorite memory from childhood she answered “It was going to church and singing the hymns with my mother.” To be joyful at the mundane is truly a wealth of its own. A wealth which she shared freely.

Josephine graduated beautician school and moved to Philadelphia where she met the love of her life George. Josephine and George retired to The Villages until George was laid to rest.

This began the next chapter in her life where she lived as a partner with her sister Regina in North Philadelphia. She lived for nearly three decades with Regina until Josephine went home to George.

Josephine died peacefully at home of natural causes at the age of 99. She is at rest with George in her childhood town of Mt Carmel, Pa.

Kindness, duty, compassion, and humanity are characteristics we strive for. Josephine lived by them to a degree that put us all to shame. The hole her loss left on this world was filled by a legacy love.

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