M. Josephine Elsberg

Margaret Josephine (Jo) Elsberg passed away on January 20, 2016, at the age of 95 . She was born February 12, 1920 to Rev. John T. and Sara Alice Wilkes in Lonaconing, MD. She was predeceased by her husband, Harold Elsberg and her daughter, Linda Gonda. She spent much of her youth on her grandfather’s farm, developing a love for animals and the earth. After graduating from Barton, MD High School in 1937, she moved to Washington, DC and became one of the first switchboard operators at the Pentagon when it opened. In 1943, she met her husband Harold who was a Vice President of Drug Fair, Inc. and they were wed for 43 years until his death. She was a former President of the Auxiliary Board of Alexandria Hospital, and was the jewelry buyer for the hospital gift shop for 30 years. She served terms as Elder and Trustee of the former Second Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, VA. Her husband was a past Potentate of Kena Temple and she was a member of the Ladies Shrine of North America. Her retirement years were spent at Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads, where she had many friends. She is survived by her son, Barry Elsberg (Ohn), and daughter, Bonnie Prestridge (Robert), five grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren. A graveside service at National Memorial Park Cemetery in Falls Church will be held on Friday, Jan. 29, at 3:00 pm, and a celebration of life memorial service will be held at Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads on Saturday, Jan. 30 at 2:00 pm. www.nationalfh-mp.com