Josephine was born on February 8, 1926 in Saint Joseph, MO, to the late Carl and Louise (Berns) Tannheimer. She graduated from the Convent of The Sacred Heart in Saint Joseph, MO, and married the love of her life John Edward Danaher, Jr, on July 27, 1946. To this union were born sixteen children (eleven sons and five daughters): Thomas, James, John, Francis, Joseph, Mary, Rita, Anne, Paul, Bernadette, Edward, Lakshmi, Charles, Patrick, Michael, and Peter.
In 1972, after twenty-five and half years of marriage her beloved husband Johnny passed away at the young age of forty-four, leaving her with nine school-aged children in the home.
Josephine was a devoted member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Redemptorist Church in Kansas City, MO. From 1952-1977, the Sisters of Saint Joseph educated 13 of her children.
Josephine had a tremendous impact on the community, serving as: Treasurer for Westport-Roanoke Community Center, Republican Committeewoman for a time, and Volunteer at Benilde Hall, a transitional living facility founded by Godfrey Kobets, a lay teacher at De La Salle High School. She was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, and frequent contributor to Brother Louis Rodemann and the Holy Family Catholic Worker House in Midtown Kansas City.
Josephine’s entire adult life was dedicated in service to others, leaving many blessed by her works. Her love and dedication served as a tremendous inspiration to others.
In addition to being a regular mass attendee at Redemptorist Church, Josephine was a faithful witness to Christ’s love, and a tireless model for her children, striving to keep them on the straight and narrow path, even in difficult times. An unemployed widow with many children in the home, Josephine was the recipient of donated baked goods. But before she allowed her children to partake, she would ensure the delivery was first divided up with portions delivered to other neighboring families. Or when driving down the road, Josephine upon seeing an old woman walking down the sidewalk with bags of groceries, embarrassed her children, directed them to roll down the window and inquire with the lady, did she need a ride somewhere.
In 1971, her sons Tom and Jim introduced the practice of Transcendental Meditation (TM) to the family. Many positive changes occurred. On many occasions afterwards, Josephine remarked “TM has saved my family."
Josephine was preceded in death by two brothers: Francis Tannheimer and Bernard Tannheimer; two sisters: Mary Theresa (Melvin) Angel and Rita (Clarence) Modlin; brothers-in-law: Albert D’Huyvetter, James Danaher, Rev. Thomas Danaher, Joseph Danaher, Leonard Danaher, and Melvin Angel; sisters-in-law: Mary (Harry) Griggs, Catherine (Jack) Whalen, Patricia (Leonard) Danaher, and Euella (Francis) Tannheimer; her husband John; sons: John, Joseph, Peter; and daughter Bernadette.
She is survived by her brother-in-law, Clarence Modlin; sisters-in-law: Ramona Tannheimer, Agnes Barry, Helen Unruh, Mary (Connaghan) Danaher and Margaret (Albert) D’Huyvetter; sons: Thomas (Debbie), James, Francis (Cheri), Paul (Debi), Edward (Ashley), Charles (Rose Valentine), Patrick (Deborah), Michael; daughters: Mary (Harley) Carter, Rita, Anne (Patrick) Quinn, and Lakshmi Martin; as well as thirty-eight grandchildren and thirty-three great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, P.O. Box 302, Maryknoll, NY 10545, www.MaryknollSociety.org, or Redemptorist Social Services Center, 3333 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111, www.redemptoristcenter.org.
A visitation will be held 6:00-8:00 pm, Friday, April 23, Rosary at 7:30 pm, at McGilley Midtown Chapel, 20 Linwood Blvd, Kansas City, MO. A Roman Catholic funeral Mass will be held 9:30 am, Saturday, April 24, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 3333 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, MO. Interment to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64138. Reception to follow at Cristo Rey Kansas City High School (formerly Redemptorist Grade School), 211 Linwood Blvd, Kansas City, MO.
May the beautiful memories of Josephine’s life forever endure in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Requiescat in pace.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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