Josephine Katherine Haight

Josephine K. Haight, a long-time resident of Old Tappan, NJ passed away at the age of 97 on October 17, 2023. Jo was born in 1926 to George and Gladys Schwarzmann and grew up in Tenafly, NJ. After graduation from Tenafly High School at age 16, she attended Syracuse University and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, first in her class as an illustration major.

Jo worked in the publishing business in New York City during her summer breaks from college, and after graduation, from 1943-1951. Her contacts, cultivated during that time, brought her much magazine work, as she established her career as a freelance illustrator. In 1953, Jo became Art Director for the new trade journal Law and Order, a copy of which was sent every month, to every police chief, on every police force, in the United States.

Among other freelance work was her collaboration, starting in 1970, with the enterprise Caribbean Sailing Yachts whereby she was hired to do all the production layouts, illustrations and nautical maps in first-of-their-kind sailing guidebooks for the Bahamas and Virgin Islands.

Jo married her college sweetheart, Kenneth G. Haight, in 1948, and they were married for nearly 55 years. Jo and Ken were known for sending their own-designed Christmas cards. Starting in the early 1950’s, Jo began creating full-size pen-and-ink renderings each year, primarily winter scenes of historic homes and structures in the area, for reproduction into treasured Christmas cards and prints. She also enjoyed painting in watercolors during the family’s summer vacations in Cape Cod and rural Vermont.

Together, Jo and Ken raised six children: Nancy, Joel, Jeffrey, Roger and twins Gary and Peter; and they fostered in their children a sense of selflessness, hard work, and service to others. During those years, Jo also taught adult art classes and was a sought-after calligrapher for civic awards and scouting certificates. Jo helped raise money for local schools, as well as for Pascack Valley Hospital (Westwood, NJ), by drawing countless 20-minute charcoal portraits at numerous outdoor fairs in the area and also by volunteering for many years at their thrift shop.

One of her favorite community projects was researching, compiling, and editing the book, The History of Old Tappan, in 1994, for the Borough’s 100th anniversary of incorporation.

Jo served on the Northern Valley Regional High School District Board of Education, as member and as president, and also served as president of the NVRHS-Old Tappan Music Parents with her husband Ken. When her children were older, Jo worked at the publishing company Fleming H. Revell in Old Tappan, where she was the Art Editor for their seminal reference book, The Bible Dictionary.

Jo was predeceased by her husband Kenneth in 2003, after nearly 55 years of marriage; by a stillborn daughter Priscilla; by her son Jeffrey (Jean) in 2019; and by her two brothers Warren and Russell. She is survived by daughter Nancy Freshour (David), sons Joel (Avril), Roger (Jeannine), Gary (Dorothy) and Peter; by six grandchildren: Sarah, Benjamin, Peter, Kristin, Kenneth, and Katherine; and by three great grandchildren: Jack, Emily, and Madeline.

Jo is perhaps most remembered for her upbeat disposition, her smile and sense of humor, and her willingness to be of service. A private memorial will be held for family and close friends.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Jo’s name may consider the Old Tappan Volunteer First Aid Corps, 4 Russell Ave, Old Tappan, NJ 07675; the Old Tappan Free Public Library, 56 Russell Ave, Old Tappan, NJ 07675; or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org).