Josephine Louise Oswald

Josephine Louise Oswald (nee Hoffman) passed away on March 16, 2026, with her daughters at her bedside. Jo was a long-time resident of the Howell, Michigan and Stockbridge, Michigan areas but lived the last 14 years of her life in the Ann Arbor area. She was a resident of St. Joseph Village in Ypsilanti at the time of her death.

Jo was married to Lester J. Oswald for 55 years from July 27, 1958 until his death on May 18, 2014. They met while each living in Hartford, Michigan with their families. In June, 1957, Jo asked a mutual friend to arrange a double date so she could meet the handsome young man she’d seen around town. When the day for the date came around, the friend was ill, so Les and Jo went on a blind date together. He presented her with an engagement ring when she was hospitalized with Asian flu, and the rest was history.

Jo is survived by her daughters, Laurie (Don, deceased) Weidman and Lynda Oswald (Brad Tomtishen), and grandchildren, Aaron, Allyse, Rhiannon, Nathaniel, and Kiernan.

Jo was born on August 31, 1938 in Traverse City, MI to Ancel Robert (Bob) Hoffman and Marjorie (Marge) Hoffman (nee Jerrett). She lived her early life on Old Mission Peninsula and was an ardent fan of its lighthouse her entire life. Jo was the eldest of four children. She is survived by her sister, Barbara Williamson, and her brother John Hoffman. Her brother Daniel Hoffman predeceased her.

Jo started working at an automotive parts supplier in Howell, Michigan in 1966, as a secretary. She had a varied career at the company and by the time of her retirement in 2004 was handling benefits and human resource matters for the company.

In her younger years, Jo enjoyed reading, sewing, knitting, and handicrafts of various types. In her later years, she enjoyed bingo, movie nights, musical performances, and the many friends she made at St. Joseph’s Village.

Jo was strong in her Christian faith. She looked forward to being reunited with Les.

“I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26)

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.