Josephine Irene Kozacek

Josephine Irene Kozacek (Jo’), 91, of Peoria, AZ passed away March 27, 2022. Josephine was born March 12, 1931 in Denver, CO to Floyd and Lucile (Miercort) Moore. She lived her earliest years in Denver with her parents and brother, Charles, until the family moved to Aurora, CO.

She was an excellent student, skipping 2nd grade, and played in the high school band and orchestra. She graduated from William Smith High School in 1948. She was active in the Order of Rainbow Girls, Aurora Assembly, and served as Worthy Advisor.

She met the love of her life, Bill, in band in 1944 (their first date was the Sadie Hawkins dance) and they married on Valentine’s Day 1949. After her third child started school, she worked as cashier in the school cafeteria, eventually becoming secretary to the principal of South Junior High School, and later Aurora Central High School. She then became an assistant and legal secretary for corporate and estate attorneys. Jo’ left corporate work to assist her husband in his handyman/construction business until retirement.

Playing the piano and organ was a special joy for her from early childhood. She played for many of her charitable organizations and loved playing duets with family members and special friends. She accepted the challenge of learning to play the full theater organ in Colorado Springs. Many pianos in lobbies across the country have known her loving hands.

Jo’ was a very talented self-taught artist. Her first oil painting was a ballerina in a pink tutu, done as a gift for her mother in 1951. She painted over 100 pictures over the years, mostly landscapes and churches, but some special orders. She gave paintings to all of her children and grandchildren, a meaningful reminder of her love for nature, family and God.

Jo’ was very active in the Order of Eastern Star. She joined Aurora Dawn Chapter #125 in 1953 and held many offices in that chapter, including Worthy Matron. She also served in the Grand Chapter of Colorado as Worthy Grand Matron of Colorado in 1990-91. She was appointed Worthy Grand Chaplain of O.E.S. General Grand Chapter 2000-2003. She and Bill traveled the world for Eastern Star, most notably every state in the USA, and also Peru, Aruba, Mexico, Canada and Austria.

She had many interests and activities: Burns Methodist Church in Aurora, PTA and Colorado Association of Educational Secretaries, recorded books for the blind for the National Library Service, Colorado Historical Society, volunteer docent at Byers/Evans Mansion in Denver, Ladies Auxiliary of El Jebel Shrine Club, Willowbrook United Methodist Church in Sun City, AZ (Chancel Choir, Bell Choir and Desert Belles Chorus), United Methodist Women Circle, and P.E.O. Chapter CH.

Josephine is survived by her husband of 73 years, Floyde “Bill” Kozacek; her children Kenneth Kozacek (spouse, Marlene) of Santa Fe, NM, Marcy Carroll (spouse, Richard) of Libertyville, IL, and Kevin Kozacek (spouse, Cindy) of Phoenix, AZ; five grandchildren (Adam Kozacek, Amanda Albertson, Matthew Kozacek, Cathy Paulsen, and Chris Kozak); 9 great-grandchildren; her brother David P. Moore; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held April 23, 2022 (10:30 a.m.) at Willowbrook United Methodist Church, 19390 N. 99th Ave., Sun City, AZ. To send condolences to the Kozacek family please visit www.SunlandMemorial.com.

Memorial donations are suggested to the charity of your choice, or to the following:

North Valley Symphony Orchestra General Fund (www.northvalleysymphony.org)

P.O. Box 72231, Phoenix, AZ 85050

P.E.O. Chapter CH

Directed to Scholarship Fund at Cottey College

c/o Sharon Stacey, 9330 W. Spanish Moss Lane, Sun City, AZ 85373

Order of Eastern Star (www.oes-colorado.org)

Colorado Grand Chapter General Fund

2495 S. Quebec St., #60, Denver, CO 80231-6068