Sylvia U. Joseph

Sylvia Ulah Joseph, 77, passed away on October 6, 2013, at Capital Caring Hospice in Arlington, VA. Born on October 16, 1935 in Sherwood, ND to Harlan and Wilma (Hanson) Schumacher, she was raised on their farmstead and in town, graduating from Sherwood High School in 1953. She married Donald F. Joseph in Omaha, NE on January 21, 1955 and they initially settled in Arlington, VA. They moved to Falls Church, VA in 1956 and lived in the same vicinity for the past 57 years.

Sylvia was an active volunteer with the Democratic Party, PTA, and community activities, and she was well known in her neighborhood. She especially enjoyed her friends and social activities at the Lincolnia Senior Center where she became involved following the death of her husband in 2000. She served as treasurer for two years and in other capacities on the advisory council. She was a member of the choir, and enjoyed participating in aerobics and other classes.

Survivors include her daughters: Kimberly (Leo) Zappa, Aliquippa, PA, and Suzanne (Rob) Page, Bisbee, AZ; four grandchildren: Christina and David Zappa, Meghan Witteman and Grant Eggers; one brother, Ron (Christa) Schumacher, Oakdale, CA; two sisters: Kay Leisz, Woodbridge, VA, and Sally (Douglas) Niessen, Mandan, ND; and one sister-in-law, Janice Schumacher, Sherwood, ND. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years, Donald; both parents, and her brother, Larry Schumacher.