Josephine Bove Bembe

Josephine Lucille Bove Bembe, age 89, died on Tuesday November 18, 2014, at her beloved home, surrounded by her family, friends and care-givers, after a sudden decline October 30. From her birth on March 20, 1925 in Annapolis, Maryland to her death there she was a true Annapolitan. Family, friends, school and church were of utmost importance to her. She touched those around her with her love, faith, and gentleness. Retired since 1993, she was a school teacher to the end, first teaching at Millersville Elementary school for 5 years and then at St. Mary's Elementary School - First Grade - for 37 more years.

Born to Charles and Mary (Scannelli) Bove, she was the younger of their two children. She attended St. Mary's Elementary School, Annapolis High School and Western Maryland (now McDaniel) College. She left college during World War II to teach elementary school in Millersville, Maryland until her marriage in 1948 to Louis G. Bembe (deceased 1982). They had 3 children: Mary Louise, Barbara Jo (deceased at 6 months) and Patricia.

Jo was active and well known throughout Annapolis. Everywhere she went she would run into somebody she had taught, or children of children she had taught. She was a beloved teacher to all her students. Active in Delta Kappa Gamma, she was also involved in various elementary school teachers associations. She was a member of Saint Mary's Catholic Church, The Catholic Daughters of America, Knights of Columbus Auxiliary, and Eastport Volunteer Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary. She volunteered with the City of Annapolis Police Department and received numerous recognitions from the City of Annapolis and State of Maryland. After her retirement, Jo traveled extensively.

Left to honor and remember her love are her children Mary Lou of Durham, NC and Patti and son-in-law Casey Gittings of LaPlata, MD, her sister-in-law Barbara Bove and many nieces and nephews. Jo was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother Dr. Charles J. Bove (deceased 2009). Jo will be remembered as a bright, shining light.

Friends and family may call at the John M. Taylor Funeral Home, Inc., 147 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis, MD 21401 on Thursday, November 20 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM and on Friday, November 21 from 7-9 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 22 at 10:30 AM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate Rd., Annapolis, MD 21401. Burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Elementary School.