Josephine Catherine Dreyfus

Josephine “Kiky” Catherine Dreyfus passed peacefully on February 27, 2022, after battling Parkinson’s for several years. She was 86 years young. Josephine was preceded in death by her husband Daniel and first grandchild, but is survived by her five children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Josephine was born in the Bronx, New York on August 4, 1935, to her parents, Joseph Sime and the former Pauline Adam. She graduated Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School before attending Fordham University, where she majored in social studies and was a member of the debate council, history club, and German club.

On September 21, 1957, Josephine married the love of her life, Daniel A. Dreyfus, whom she had met on summer vacations to Long Island as a teenager. Together, they moved to Illinois and Alaska before settling in Virginia. Daniel and Josephine expanded their family by five children—four daughters and one son.

In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Josephine was a passionate artist. She practiced the piano for many years and was an avid quilter in her later years. Most notably, Josephine was a member of the Sumi-e Society, where in addition to honing her watercolor skills, she traveled to China in 1984 as part of a cultural exchange. Her family fondly retells the story of her husband calling home from a business trip and asking to speak to Josephine, only to be told that she “went to China.”

Josephine enjoyed traveling and filled many photo albums of trips throughout Europe and Asia with her husband, Daniel. From nerve-wrecking drives on narrow Irish roads to strolls along the canals in Amsterdam, Josephine and Daniel always returned from their trips abroad with stories to share with their family, including their seven grandchildren with whom Josephine took an active role.

Josephine volunteered many years at St. John the Beloved Catholic School. First as a CCD teacher and then in the library. She enjoyed creating colorful and fun bulletin boards for the children.

Josephine will be dearly missed by her friends and family.

For remembrances and condolences, please forward them to P.O. Box 2389, Fairfax, VA 22031. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.

Requiescat in pace.