Obituary of Josephine Mary Kostovcik

Josephine Kostovcik (nee Maxheleau) September 12, 1935 - December 26, 2013 Jo passed away peacefully at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, with her devoted husband, Mel at her side, at the age of 78. Also left to mourn this unexpected loss are her loving children, Nancy (Wayne McFadden) and Susan (John Leader), and her five beloved grandchildren, Alison, Andrew, Julia, Adam, and Sam. Survived by siblings Vince (Mary), Nick, Margaret, Elise, and Mary Anne (Ted), sisters-in-law Anne and Helen, and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Alice and Joseph Maxheleau, brothers Dave and Gerry, brother-in-law Tony, sisters-in-law Barb and Louise, and niece Michelle. Born in Montreal, the eldest child in a large, loving family, Jo later attended St. Mary's Hospital School of Nursing in Montreal, graduating as an R.N. in 1957 along with the many friends she'd made there, friends who she would cherish for the rest of her life. A caring and efficient nurse, Jo's talents were evident during her career in Montreal and later in Toronto at Sunnybrook Hospital, where she worked until 1980 as a nursing co-ordinator and then in geriatric research. Jo and Mel met in 1958, and throughout their many years together, never faltered in their commitment to each other, truly living the covenant of marriage. Their life together in Montreal and following their move to Leaside in Toronto in 1968 was blessed with the love of family and the joy of wonderful friendships and community activities. Over the past 30 years Jo suffered many health challenges, which she faced with grace and courage. She sustained herself with her love for her husband, children, and grandchildren, the support of friends and family, and her faith in God. Thanks go out to all those who reached out to her during those difficult years. Thanks also to the staff, nurses, social workers, therapy staff and Dr. Tom Bluthardt at Providence Health Centre for the care they provided over the past three months. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES CHAPEL LIMITED, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Monday, January 6. Funeral service will be held in ST. ANSELM'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1 MacNaughton Road on Tuesday, January 7 at 10:30 a.m. Interment to follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. If desired, donations in memory of Jo's life may be made to St. Anselm's Catholic Church (M4G 3H3), or to the charity of your choice. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.