Josephine Tripp born October 25, 1919 passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 26, 2021 in her 102nd year. Josie was born to Rupert and Alice Hicks. She had 4 siblings Gladys, Stella, Hattie and Jack.
How does one put into words a life lived for 101 years. She was a force, so strong, even till the very end. It was just last week, where she fell, like she did often in the last couple years, and got back up and went on to have breakfast and told everyone she was going to go to Buffalo shopping later that day. It was like she was made of rubber. She never broke, she would just bounce back up and keep going.
She LOVED her family. All of them. Her baby, Keith Tripp (Norma) was her strong and loyal provider of which she was so proud to show off any time she could. Keith, before his retirement, was the Platoon Chief for Cambridge Fire Department, one evening last year, while residing at St Luke’s Place, she decided to pull the fire alarm so the firemen would come and they could all sit and talk about Keith.
She outlived her daughter Nancy Winsor (Frank), she never got over that immense loss. They had a special bond, one she talked about and re lived in her memories till the very end. She also outlived her husband of 60 years, Frank Tripp. She always said he treated her like a queen. They had the best life together. Running their Sheetmetal business in Preston Ontario (Cambridge). Everyone knew the Tripp’s. Their reputation was top notch as she would say. Their name held a lot of respect and that she took very seriously. Josie to those who knew her, Granny to everyone else, also held jobs outside of their home at the Knotty Pine, Bowring and she also wrote for the local newspaper.
Josie and Frank purchased a cottage in the Parry Sound area back in the 60’s. She Loved that place. As we all do now. The cottage holds some amazing memories full of family, food, wine and laughter. She would have her grandchildren up there with them when they were younger for most if not all of their summer breaks and although those kids would push their limits, she never faltered and always wanted them to spend their summers with her year after year. This created a bond so deep that her love will forever be felt for those memories made.
She has 5 grandchildren Jason (Cheryl), Kevin, Shelley (Don), Cindy (Brent) and Todd (Corinne) and 7 great grandchildren James (Lauren), Cassandra (Brandon), Jaxon, Kitryna, Kira, Grace and Aaron along with 3 great great grandchildren Ivy, Ledger and Tripp. All of whom she adored greatly. Sure, she would call them up 15 times a day and expect them drop everything and listen to whatever it was she wanted to say, regardless if they were at home or at work at the time. Her presence demanded attention. We all obliged. Not that we had a choice. Those phone calls will be missed now. Forever.
Her love for God is what pulled her through every sorrow and every celebration throughout her life. She was a well known part of Knox Preston Presbyterian Church, along with King Street Baptist Church. She often spoke of how it was God that guided her and helped her have such a wonderful life and to live it as long as she did. And live she did! With grace, with Pride with Strength and with a whole lot of Love.
“I will live until I die” was her favorite phrase and that she did well.
The family would like to thank Dr. Baker and the staff at St Luke's Place and a special thank you to Pat Montgomery for all of her support throughout the last few years.
The Funeral Service will be celebrated at Knox Presbyterian Preston Church, 132 Argyle Street North, Cambridge on Tuesday March 30, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Provincial guidelines are in place for social distancing and masks are mandatory for each person in attendance. Space at the Church is limited, please call the Barthel Funeral Home to R.S.V.P your attendance during business hours at 519-653-3251). Interment to follow at Memory Gardens.
Donations can be made to Knox Preston Presbyterian or King Street Baptist Church.
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