Josephine Macrae Warden

Josephine Macrae Warden of Newington, Ct and formerly of Glastonbury, Ct passed away peacefully on June 22, in her own home. She was born in Dannevirke, New Zealand, daughter of the late Millicent Joan and James Macrae. Jose, as she was known, grew up riding horses to school along with her sister Gillian and learned to love sheep dogs and thoroughbreds on her parents’ farm. Graduating from the University of New Zealand during W.W. II, she met Denzil, an officer in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific, and married him in Wellington, N.Z. in 1944. Although she joined Denzil in the U.S. in 1946, became a U.S. citizen, and lived in the U.S. the remainder of her life, she always retained her pride in being a New Zealander. She returned to N.Z. many times, and imparted an interest in N.Z. to her children, all of whom have been to N.Z., and her grandchildren, one of whom accompanied her to N.Z. on two occasions, and another spent a junior year in college at the University of Wellington, N.Z.

Jose was a librarian in the Glastonbury School System and one of the founding members of the East Glastonbury Library where she also served as Librarian. She was a Master Gardner, Member of the Hartford Bonsai Society and The Charter Oak Study Club, and a lover of opera. Jose shared these passions with her husband, and seeking to expand their knowledge, they travelled widely in later years. They particularly loved studying opera at Elderhostel programs at the University of Maine and in Italy. Jose visited her children and grandchildren often, taking pride in their many accomplishments.

She was predeceased by her husband, Denzil C. Warden, her parents Millicent and James Macrae, and her brother Ted Macrae. She is survived by her sister Gillian Owen of Auckland, New Zealand; her son James and his wife Michaela and their children- Genevieve, John, Meredith, Andy, and Tedd- and their 12 grandchildren; her son Charles and his wife Annette and their sons- Matthew and his wife Kylee, and Daniel; her daughter Sarah and her husband Michael Kushner, MD and their son Hunter, and was predeceased by their son Paul Macrae Kushner.

Donations in Jose’s memory can be made to The East Glastonbury Public Library, 1389 Neipsic Rd., Glastonbury, CT 06033.

Services are private and at the convenience of the family. Glastonbury Funeral Home, 450 New London Tnpk., Glastonbury, is assisting with arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.glastonburyfuneral.com