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Johannah "Josie" Crowley passed away peacefully, at home, on March 22, surrounded by her loving family. Josie (Hammond) Crowley was born in Marblehead on October 5 as the daughter of Mary (Brady) Hammond and Ralph Hammond.
She was predeceased by her son Sean Patrick, her brother William and sisters Anne Khatchadurian, Catherine Hammond and Mary Margaret Hammond.
Josie was educated in Marblehead schools graduating with the Class of ’59 and then moved on to the Salem Hospital Pediatric School of Nursing. She met her future husband John while they were working at Jordan Marsh Company. They enjoyed 63 wonderful years together.
Josie spent several years travelling due to the requirements of her husband’s Air Force orders. Their son Sean was born at the air base in Georgia and their daughter Christine was born at West Point Military Hospital. Their youngest child, Timothy, was born back near home at Salem Hospital.
Josie spent many years as a teachers assistant at schools for handicapped students in Pennsylvania and Indiana, a job that she excelled at and cherished. She also volunteered, teaching CCD to high school students at St. Basil’s in Phoenixville, Pa., for over 20 years.
She and her husband retired at the same time 26 years ago and returned to Josie’s hometown of Marblehead which they both loved. Josie’s decorative personality was on display in Marblehead and Fort Myers, Fla., where she and John enjoyed many winter seasons.
She would decorate her home for every holiday and she was known for her ever-changing hair colors.
She was very devoted to the mission of and all the activities at Marblehead’s Council on Aging. Her friends and staff there were her second family. She could be seen at the COA playing chair volleyball and bocce or volunteering with the Veteran’s breakfasts. She always put family and friends before herself. She was a beautiful, giving person who could make everyone smile.
Josie loved life, her family, extended family and her wonderful friends. She was blessed with a happy, joyful personality that she readily shared with those around her throughout her life.
She is survived by her husband John, her daughter Christine Nylund (David); grandchildren Micaela (Will), James, Emilie and Rebecca; and her son Tim (Kim), grandchildren Hannah, Paige and Seamus. Josie’s great-granddaughter, Lily Jean, was born to Micaela and Will one year ago. Josie also has many nieces and nephews she adored.
Josie will be missed immensely.
Visiting hours will be held Thursday, May 14, from 4-8 p.m. at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm St. Her Funeral Mass will be held Friday, May 15, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead. Burial will follow at Waterside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Friends of the Marblehead Council on Aging. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for Josie's family.
