Names curated over a lifetime and bestowed upon a single woman that meant so much to so many. Regardless of what you called her, your life was ever-changed having known her. For nearly 86 years, Josephine Ann Bereznay was a rare angel that walked among us. She was selfless, kind and a devoted child of God. Whether it was at the bedside of a hospital patient, on the sideline of a sports field, on the other end of the phone line or in the arms of her embrace, Josephine’s warmth and goodness was felt by everyone she encountered. She enjoyed a good book, cross stitch, quilting, bingo and time spent with the people she treasured most - her family. A strong-willed matriarch, neither time nor distance could diminish her love for her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings and the countless others she held dear. While we will miss seeing her beautiful smile and hearing her comforting words, we can take solace in knowing that she lived fully, loved unconditionally and when all else failed, she placed her faith in the hands of the good Lord.
Josephine was preceded in death by her sister, Patricia; her daughter, Tama; her husband, John; and her brother, Daniel. She is survived by her sister, Mary Ann; her children Thomas, Teresa, Timothy, Toby, Todd and their families; and countless others who were graced with her kindness, love and the power of her prayers.
Family will receive friends on Friday, January 10th from 2-4 & 6-8PM at the Sterling-Ashton-Schwab-Witzke Funeral Home of Catonsville, Inc., 1630 Edmondson Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 11th at 12:30PM at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 5422 Old Frederick Road; Baltimore, MD 21229. Interment in Loudon Park Cemetery. Josephine’s generosity knew no bounds. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either the Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries - Archdiosese of Baltimore, The National Gaucher Foundation, or The Parkinson’s Foundation. Links for all donations are listed below.
“A wife, a mother, a grandma too,
This is the legacy we have from you.
You taught us love and how to fight,
You gave us strength, you gave us might.
A stronger person would be hard to find,
And in your heart, you were always kind.
You fought for us all in one way or another,
Not just as a wife not just as a mother.
For all of us you gave your best,
Now the time has come for you to rest.
So go in peace, you've earned your sleep,
Your love in our hearts, we'll eternally keep.” - Author Unknown
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