Josephine M. King

Josephine Mary King, 80, of South Heidelberg Township, died peacefully and comforted by family in her daughter's home Aug. 1, 2018, after a year-long struggle with cancer. She was the youngest daughter of the late James King and Helen (Peyton) King, both Irish immigrants.

Surviving are two sisters, Eileen Ryan, of Flushing, N.Y., and Patricia Lee, Naples, Fla. Her two brothers, William and James King, died before her. She is now at peace with her only son, Sean Michael, who died in a car accident at 16. Her two daughters, Susan Shumaker, Scranton, and Virginia Kelbish, Lower Heidelberg, are left to grieve with their husbands, Robert Shumaker and Steve Reinbrecht. Josephine is also survived by five granddaughters: Kate Howell, wife of Tim Howell, of Lake Ariel, Wayne County; Emily Shumaker, partner of Joe Rogers, of Scranton; and Helen, Maura and Sarah Reinbrecht, Lower Heidelberg Township. There are also three great-grandchildren: Maximus and Peyton Howell, and Ramona Rogers.

Josephine retired from the Pa. Dept. of Public Welfare in 2003 and was active in her labor union. She was a gifted cook and baker and her family recalls her delicious dinners. Plants were nurtured and thrived under her green thumb. She loved to read and volunteered at libraries in Honesdale, Wayne County, and Spring Township. Josephine was active and loved hiking and biking. She had strong opinions about politics and was a great listener with a kind heart.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, Aug. 10, at noon at St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church, Whitfield, 2810 St Albans Dr, Reading, PA 19608, with a celebration to follow at Ganly's Irish Pub, State Hill. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Indian School,1301 N Main St, Chamberlain, SD 57325, or the Lymphoma Research Foundation, 88 Pine Street, Suite 2400, New York, NY 10005 .

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.