Josephine was born on Nov.12, 1920 in Elizabeth, NJ.
When she was 6 months old, her parents decided to return the entire family to Poland. There, Josie and her 8 siblings grew up on a farm in the small village of Zyznow. There were no cars, no phones, and no electricity. They lived a very quiet, simple life.
At age 16, Josie said goodbye to her parents, and boarded an ocean liner, the MS Batory, named after the sixteenth century Polish king, to travel to America to start a new life in a country she knew nothing about. Sadly, she never saw or spoke with her parents again. Josie was on one of the last boats leaving Poland, before World War II broke out shortly after her departure. After 11 days of travel, and passing through Ellis Island, Josie joined her 5 siblings in New Jersey, who had arrived before her. Together, they all helped each other navigate this new country.
Josie's first job was a live-in domestic & nanny for a lovely family. She had a lot to learn,a new language, new food and new traditions. She rode in a car and on a bus for the first time. Josie worked for a few families and has fond memories of all of them.
In 1945, the day World War II was declared over in Europe, Josie traveled to Times Square in New York City to be part of the massive crowds celebrating in the streets. She had never seen anything like this, with complete strangers hugging and kissing. It was both scary and exciting, a day she would never forget.
Josie married her husband, John, in 1950. They bought their first and only home in Elizabeth NJ, where they raised 3 children together. They were married 25 years, until her husband passed away in 1975. Josie remained in her home until age 88.
Without realizing it, in 1951, Josie was a pioneer for the woman's movement. She and her husband bought a car, even though neither of them knew how to drive. Josie offered to learn, and got her Drivers License first. After many hours of instruction, she passed her test and acquired her license. She then taught her husband how to drive. Imagine that!... A woman teaching a man!
Josie loved her family....her 3 children.....5 grandchildren......and 6 great grandchildren. She loved to cook and bake...she was always looking for new recipes in Good Housekeeping magazines. Her great joy came from watching her family devour all her goodies and always ask for more. Family and friends would go out of their way for her delicious home made Apple Pie.
Josie also had a natural artistic talent. She loved to do crafts, especially at Christmas time. She could take a piece of paper or foil and turn it into a beautiful Christmas flower or snowflake. Her Christmas tree was filled with home made ornaments. She also loved to make Christmas wreaths, which adorned the house inside and out. She would collect pine cones and use all types of nuts as decorations, which she would paint and sprinkle with glitter. The day she received and learned how to use a hot glue gun was a game changer for her. She became unstoppable.....everyone got a "Josie wreath". Whoever came to visit her for the holidays always went home with a Josie wreath. She also loved to decorate eggs for her Easter basket, and taught her children the craft of creating Pisanki. When she was done, it was a work of art. Hot candle wax and the head of a straight pin were her decorating tools.
After retiring from her job at Thomas & Betts, Josie finally had all her free time for her love of crocheting. She loved to crochet afghans and always created her own patterns. Each one was beautiful, and no two were ever alike. She loved to give them away as gifts. Every female in the entire family was given one of Josie's afghans. There was never a bridal shower where her afghan didn't make an appearance. Everyone loved them! She was also a master at hats & scarves.
Josie's Roman Catholic faith was very important to her. She realized all her blessings and was always thankful. The Polish people are very religious and she, along with all her fellow countrymen, cried tears of joy when John Paul II was named the new Pope. She would tell anyone who would listen that he was "the Polish Pope". She was so proud.
Josephine was blessed to spend her final few years at Villa Raffaella Assisted Living surrounded by the Hospitalier Sisters, the Villa staff and an abundance of new friends. She quickly became part of the close knit Villa family as she participated in many of the activities. She enjoyed being part of the Miss Villa Beauty Pageant, playing a role in the Christmas Nativity Pageant, dancing the night away at the Spring and Fall Senior Dance Parties, the Christmas Tea party with Santa making an appearance, and ringing in the New Year at the annual New Year's Eve Celebration. She had fun dressing up in costume for the Halloween parties, and everyone enjoyed all the summer BBQ's in the back yard surrounded by all the beautiful flowers. Josie also attended daily mass, daily rosary and Sunday and Holiday masses in the beautiful Chapel. It reminded her of her beloved St. Adalbert's Church. The love, compassion and caring that all of the Sisters and staff extended to Josie and all of the Villa family each and every day goes beyond measure. Josie even taught some Sisters and staff some polish phrases and songs. She would be greeted each morning with a polish "Good morning" and the sisters would dance and sing Bobby Vinton's " Melody of Love", in polish, of course. Josie called Villa Raffaella "home". You would always see her joking and laughing with someone...especially her best friend, Connie. You rarely saw one without the other.
But, most importantly, she saw her family grow, expand and thrive. And, near or far...everyone still holds a special place in their hearts for our Josephine.....
Josephine is survived by her 3 children, Ron Boguszewski (Cindy), Jane Morton (Jeff) and Margie Krahnert (George), 5 grandchildren, Angela, Dan, Joann, John, and George, 6 great grandchildren, Matthew, Tom, Elizabeth, Merrick, Johnnie and Tommy and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation for Josephine will be held Friday, April 30, 2021 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Krowicki McCracken Funeral Home, 2124 East Saint George Ave, Linden, NJ 07036. A funeral mass will take place Saturday, May 1, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Adalberts Church, 250 E Jersey St, Elizabeth, NJ 07206. A funeral will follow Saturday, May 1, 2021 at St. Gertrude Cemetery, Inman Ave., Colonia, NJ 07067.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation in Josephine's name to Villa Raffaella Assisted Living
917 South Main Street
Pleasantville, NJ 08232
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