Josephine B. Thistle

Josephine B. ThistleJosephine B. "Jo" Thistle, loving mother, wife, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at the age of 96. Born in Reading, PA, she was the daughter of Emma Bargo and James Orestes Brumbach.Jo was the beloved wife of 64 years to the late William Thistle. They shared a wonderful life together. They enjoyed traveling in the US and abroad and treasured time spent with family and friends. Original Levittown homeowners, they resided in the Appletree Section for 25 years, where they raised their family. Later they moved to Fairless Hills.Jo attended Haverford High School and Peirce Business School and earned her certificate as a Medical Secretary. During World War II while Bill was serving in the European Theater in the Army, Jo supported the war effort by working at the Philadelphia Shipyard and the Frankford Arsenal. Jo also worked for the Civil Service in Philadelphia and retired from Educational Testing Service in Princeton, NJ. Throughout her life she volunteered her time to many local organizations and was always willing to, help family and friends. Jo touched many lives with her love and kindness, courage and compassion.She enjoyed, gardening, crocheting, bowling, making and sharing her beautiful decorated cakes. She loved poetry and classic literature and was never at a loss to recite a favorite poem.Above all else, Jo treasured her family and will be remembered for the love and devotion she showed to her husband, children, grandchildren, siblings, relatives and friends.Jo is survived by her loving children, Bonnie T. Dettra and her husband, Gene Kelly of Newtown, PA and William R. Thistle and his wife, Nancy of Webster, MA. She was the very proud of her five grandchildren, Jeannine Dettra, Michael Dettra, Sean Thistle, Laura Thistle Taylor, and Kyle Thistle.Jo also has eight great grandchildren who sadly never go to know her due to the onset of Alzheimer's.Mom's generous spirit and abiding love for family and nature will live on with us. We can honor Mom's memory by practicing kindness daily, enjoying the beauty of nature and knowing that one person can truly make a difference.Special thanks to Neshaminy Manor, Caring Hospice and Friends Home for the kindness and wonderful care they gave to Mom.Friends and family may call on Saturday, from 9:30 until 10:00 am at the James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., 2200 Trenton Road, Levittown, where her funeral service will be held at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.